THE cost of policing Knutsford’s Royal May Day is to increase by at least £700 this year.

Bosses will charge organisers £4,200 to send 37 officers to the event and close several roads.

Last week Cheshire Police said the bill was the lowest possible amount it could ask for.

“It is considerably less than the actual cost,” said Chief Superintendent Paul McHugh.

“We know that the May Day event is an important tradition in Knutsford and we are trying to help the organisers.

“At the same time we have to deliver policing that is value for money for all council taxpayers across east Cheshire.”

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Knutsford Royal May Day is expected to cost organisers about £31,000 this year.

The annual festival could not get insurance without officers’ help.

Last year police charged about £3,500 for the service.

The Knutsford Royal May Day Committee had believed that would increase to £6,000 this year.

They feared if that level of charge continued it could cause the end of the festival within five years.

Police have held at least two meetings with the committee within recent months to discuss the costs.

Earlier last week the Royal May Day’s secretary, Anne de Ruiter, was convinced they would be charged about £6,000.

But on Friday Cheshire Police said it had always intended to ask for £4,200.

Bosses said they had to recoup some costs, as the work was an addition to the force’s normal duties.

“Policing the Knutsford May Day to ensure the safety of the people involved, people who watch and people who are simply in the vicinity, involves considerable resources,” said Chief Superintendent McHugh.

Mrs de Ruiter was delighted that the charge was lower than expected.

She said the committee would now have to use less of its £50,000 savings, which had been dwindling every year.

“Things can go on for a while and we’re not in such grave danger now,” she said.

Some of the biggest costs of policing the Royal May Day are created by the closure of part of the A50.

Police have suggested changing the procession’s route to help save money.

But organisers rejected their two proposed ideas.

They say any acceptable changes would not save enough money for it to be worthwhile.

The committee also said it would struggle to get donations from companies in the current economic climate.

“Businesses don’t just give you money anymore,” said Mrs de Ruiter.

The committee’s other major costs include about £2,400 for barriers and cones.

Companies or residents who want to help fund the Royal May Day should call Mrs de Ruiter on 01270 500537.