Lawyer concerned with Harry Potter event at Arley Hall

Steffan Groch, a safety lawyer and partner at DWF Law, said he wasn't against events taking place at the hall, but was concerned at the timing and regularity of Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience, which is set to open in October and run until January.

Mr Groch, who has lived on Arley Road for around five years, went on to say he has three principal concerns about the access to and from the estate - with Arley Road being too narrow, unlit and the fact the event is taking place during the winter months.

He said: "The difference that I foresee with this event is that it's being held over a period of time, rather than just a day or two.

"There's always a lot of traffic whenever there's an event on, but we all accept that as it's one of those things you expect living on Arley Road.

"I should say, I am supporter of the hall and my wife and I actually had our wedding reception there.

"I have nothing against the events per se.

"But most of those are summer time events and the thing that troubles me about this one is that it's taking place the darkest months of the year."

Traffic on Arley Road during a recent event at the hall

Having made a successful career advising people and organisations about all things health and safety, Mr Groch said there are certain worrying factors that are seemingly beyond the control of the estate and the event organisers.

"You can't rely upon weather, particular in November and December," he added.

"It can sometimes be beautiful but in recent years, it has been increasingly crazy.

"Arley Road just doesn't feel safe for the amount of traffic it is going to be taking.

"Part of my job is to advise clients as to how they can best manage risk and what the main hazards are.

"The main hazards here are the fact the road is too narrow, unlit and the weather, and you can't control any of those factors.

"The only thing they can control is the amount of cars and coaches going down it.

"And that would seem to run in conflict in what they're trying to achieve, which is revenue.

"They're investing money in trying to make it a fabulous experience, which I'm sure it will be.

"But the controllables is this situation are just not controllable.

"My experience of this road when there are events on, is not a good one.

"There's a reason why people hold more events during the summer.

"I also very much doubt the road will be gritted in the winter, so it is literally an accident waiting to happen.

"I genuinely believe we are in a situation here where we are going to have to wait until the whole thing falls to pieces."

Traffic on Arley Road during a recent event at the hall

A spokesman for Arley Hall said: "The event organisers have had communication and meetings with Cheshire East Planning, Cheshire East Highways, Cheshire East Event Safety Advisory Group all of whom are satisfied that the event is safe and that the road network is satisfactory for the amount of traffic expected.

"We have appointed one of the top traffic management teams in the country who have reviewed all the approaching roads to the event and will be on site every evening to ensure the safety of both visitors and local residents."