Oakley Spin at risk from police charges of £1,000
A WAVE of public support could save the Oakley Spin, organisers hope, after police charges threatened to put an end to the charity event.
Angry supporters took to Facebook yesterday when organisers of the annual motorbike ride, held in aid of the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation, created a group called 'Save the Oakley Spin' after being told by the Guernsey Police that they could be charged up to £1,000 for the force's help next year.
However, Guernsey Police defended its position, saying it had for several years charged organisers for the recovery of costs, but only for those associated with overtime payments to off-duty officers, who had to be called in.
Its position was different to the UK, which levied for a range of costs, it added.
The spin, which is in its 11th year, raises around £2,000 each time.
Organiser Shane Rosamond, of the Full Boar Motorcycle Club, said if £1,000 had to be paid, it would defeat the object of the event.
However, since creating the Facebook group on Tuesday, he has been inundated with offers.
'I've had special constables, motorbike escort riders and police officers themselves saying they would provide their services for free,' he said.
'I've also had a lot of offers, some from businesses and some from individuals, to pay towards the off-duty officers' costs, but my feeling is any money should go directly to the charity.
