Cheesemaker Banned from Supplying Cheese Rolling Contest

Diana Smart has been making the wheels of cheese for 25 years for people to chase after on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire.

She intended to donate five eight-pound cheeses to the races, but the police said she could be held liable for any injuries during the event.

The race, which dates back to the 1800s, still went ahead, but the cheese was replaced with lightweight foam replicas to comply with safety regulations.

Ms Smart told the Express, “It’s crackers. The police came round and warned me not to give the event some cheese. I like doing it, it’s always brought me such joy and a smile. The police were so heavy-handed. The threatened me, saying I would be wholly responsible if anyone got injured. They said it could cost us an enormous amount in damages.

“I just have to take it. We cannot do anything about it. I’m 86, I don’t have the will or the cash to fight any lawsuits. It’s crazy. I really don’t know if anyone will step up to the plate and provide the event with cheese. It’s such a shame. The police are using scare tactics on businesses because they can’t break the will of the locals.”

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police added, “Advice has been given to all those who have participated in any planning of an unofficial cheese rolling event this coming bank holiday. This included the individuals who provide the cheese.

“We feel it is important that those who, by law, could be constituted as organisers of the event that they are aware of the responsibilities that come with it so that they can make an informed decision about their participation.”