THE council has said that parking on a historic garden has 'never been permitted' amid expressing support for concert events in Grange.

Charity and Co organises events brass band events at the bandstand at Park Road Gardens every Sunday between May and September, which a resident said draws 'flocks of people.' 

A spokesperson from the group said that after an 'incident' on Sunday, August 11 the future of band concerts for the 2025 season would now be under review. 

They said that 'all parking is now prohibited' at Park Road Gardens. 

Resident Wendy Higson said that volunteers from Charity and Co raise money for local causes by selling tea, cakes and ice creams. 

"We have some amazing brass bands in the South Lakes area, a tradition of musicality that we simply should not lose," she said. 

Ms Higson said that along with the fundraising, there is also a weekly collection at the concerts that allows the brass bands to survive.

However, she accused Westmorland and Furness Council of 'preferring the event not to take place' because of health and safety concerns. 

"I believe this would be an absolute travesty if this tradition were to be stopped," she added. 

The council said it had 'long been supportive' of the concert events, and worked with Charity and Co and Grange-over-Sands Town Council to put on the events in an accessible and safe manner.

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A spokesperson said that health and safety has to be considered for any event taking place on council-owned land "as it safeguards our communities and visitors, and enhances the overall experience for everyone involved."

“Parking in Park Road Gardens has never been permitted and visitors attending the concerts or visiting the park are advised to use nearby car parks and on-street parking," they added. 

According to the council, the band are allowed to drive in to unload and load instruments, but then must use a nearby car park or on-street parking.

“The concert events have been a great part of the community’s social calendar for years and we hope they continue in the future," the spokesperson said.