"We Need More H&S Officers!" Said No-One, Ever...

Padstow's traditional May Day parade 'must be professionally managed' following the death of a mother-of-two who was struck by a wooden horse costume, a coroner has today told an inquest.

Laura Smallwood, 34, died in hospital three days after she was struck in the back of the head by the wooden framed horse - known as an 'Obby 'Oss' - an inquest heard.

The incident took place during the 2019 May Day parade in the north Cornwall town, which has hosted such celebrations since as far back as the 16th Century.

Cry 'Havoc!' and let loose the Cornish council health and safety experts! 

Amanda Hannon, an events planner with Devon and Cornwall Police, told the inquest there had not been one person in overall charge of the celebrations.

'That would be best practice,' she said. She added there was a 'reluctance' from Padstow Town Council to 'come forward or contribute to the running of May Day' and they 'don't want to be identified as an organiser'.

Mr Cox said that in correspondence with the council it did not have any 'obligation' to be the event organiser.

'Isn't the answer for me at the end of this to write to Government and say legislation as it stands does not deal with the situation where no-one comes forward as the event organiser,' Mr Cox said.

One fatality in several centuries and suddenly, this must be organised and controlled and paperwork must pile high in council chambers? Really?  

Still, if this was the sole cause of the deat...

Wait!

Coroner Mr Cox heard that Laura may have suffered a 'minor incident' around ten days before the Obby Oss collision, which had likely caused some damage to her arteries.

Hmmm....