WALTON’S top crowd-pulling events could be under threat after an insurance policy shift.

Events including Walton Carnival, the classic car show and the Christmas light switch-on could all be at risk due to spiralling insurance costs.

They are all covered by a single policy, which also has room for other local events to be added to it throughout the year.

But the company which previously provided the policy has changed its criteria.

The move means Walton’s events cannot be insured through the same company.

Organisers could be forced to fork out double the money with a larger insurance firm.

David Eagle, who contributes the insurance cash for the events said: “This year the company has come back and said they will only insure events of less than 1,000 people.

“Those larger companies charge about £500 a day, and that is outside of the viability of most events here.

“The money just isn’t there and unless we can find a solution it may mean the end of these events in Walton."

Mr Eagle is appealing for event organisers from across the area to come forward to find the most cost effective solution.

He added: “We need to work out how we can get these to become more economical and affordable in these tough times."

Anyone interested in helping find a solution can contact Mr Eagle through the Walton Community Project on 01255 677006.