ORGANISERS of Ottery’s Tar Barrels are hopeful over the future of the tradition after sealing a deal that has sliced �8,000 off its insurance premium.
ORGANISERS of Ottery’s Tar Barrels are hopeful over the future of the tradition after sealing a deal that has sliced �8,000 off its insurance premium.
Driving forces this week brokered a �17,000 agreement for the next Friday’s spectacular with a new insurance firm and have paid the sum in full.
The move means preparations for next year’s event will start with a clean slate.
Ottery Carnival Committee members were left facing a �25,000 insurance premium with former coverage provider Brit thanks to a single compensation claim linked to a criminal act that sparked a barrel explosion last year.
New insurer Broadsure has offered exactly the same cover for �8,000 less.
Carnival Committee chairman Graham Rowland was quick to pay tribute to Brit and said: “Without them we wouldn’t be in this position today. They came forward when it was under threat four or five years ago and I’m in great debt to them.”
Hopeful over the future of the 200-year-old tradition he told the Herald: “This time of year is special for Ottery. It is what brings the community together.”
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