A group of dachshund owners keen to put on a charity dog walk this month have secured a saviour sponsor after being told by the council that they must produce a £300 deposit and £5million insurance cover to hold the event.
The Southwold Sausage Walk, due to take place on March 31, was organised in an effort to bring ‘sausage dogs’ and their owners together, and raise money for The Red Foundation – Emergency Dachshund Rescue UK.
However event organisers Heidi Ginger, Adam Bond and Laura Baggott had to secure a sponsor after they found out they had to fork out roughly £100 to cover ‘public liability’ insurance.
After contacting Waveney District Council to seek permission to host their event, the organisers were told they must produce an event application form, a risk assessment, public liability insurance of no less than £5million, and a land security deposit of £300.
While one of the organisers has agreed to pay the £300 deposit out of her own pocket, the £100 required for the insurance will be covered by sponsor Adnams Sole Bay Brewery in Southwold.
Luckily, the desposit cheque will not be cashed so long as no damage is done to the beach.
Ms Ginger said despite the fact the event had been stressful to organise, she was delighted to see it had been so successful.
She said: “It just started as a Facebook page with lots of people in the area, but the numbers have gone up to within the hundreds. We have got people coming from as far as Yorkshire.
“We didn’t want to let people down, especially with accommodation [booked] in Southwold.
“I have been told there is some palm oil further along the coast [however] with Southwold being a blue flag beach, I am hoping the council will keep the beach clear during our walk.”
The walk should last roughly 45 minutes, and will run from the Harbour Quay East car park to the fifth wooden groyne past the Gunhill Beach Kiosk and back again.
A spokesperson for Waveney District Council said: “All events on council-owned land, such as the seafront, must have prior approval from the council - this is to ensure the safety and well-being of those attending the event and others who may be in the vicinity.
“Following the standard consultation period, the application for this event has now been approved and we wish the organisers every success.”
The walk will cost £1 per dog which can be paid on the day. More information can be found on the Facebook event.
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