Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 24 May 2022

NUNEATON and Bedworth Borough Council’s Leader, Coun. Kristofer Wilson, has urged Bedworth residents to help make the forthcoming “Sanctuary” event a ‘big’ success at the weekend – by keeping a close eye on traffic warnings.

Thousands of visitors are expected to pay a visit to the Miners’ Welfare Park on Saturday, 28 May, to watch the burning of the 22 metre-high wooden sculpture as the event reaches its spectacular conclusion.

The burning of the extraordinary sculpture will take place at approximately 9pm in an act of ‘letting go’ following the Covid experience which has been shared worldwide.

As a result of its expected popularity, Borough Council bosses have stressed to local people that parking is “very limited” in Bedworth town centre.

And, it is likely that a lot of people will be leaving the site from around 10pm and onwards.

Written letters have already been sent to residents on Coventry Road and Rye Piece Ringway, who live in close proximity to the park, to warn them in advance that a section of the road may be closed throughout the event, if it needs to be.

Speaking in a statement obtained by the Hinckley Free Press, Coun. Wilson, said: “We have been bowled over by the response to Sanctuary, which has already brought people to our area from many parts of the country.

“We know thousands of people have applied for tickets, so we are preparing for a busy evening on Saturday 28 May.

“There will be traffic and parking restrictions in place on the night, and there is bound to be some disruption for residents.”

“I hope everyone can be patient, and those who can do so find other ways than their car to get to the event.

He concluded: “It goes without saying that for local people not attending the event, please try and avoid getting caught up in the event traffic.

“Use public transport or other means of getting to the event, or please stay clear if you are not coming along. Please enjoy the evening and help others enjoy it, too.”