Summer show organisers issue SOS after oil leak

The organisers of a popular summer show say their association has been left "teetering on the brink" after they had to cancel this year's event due to an oil leak.

A lorry leaked diesel for about 10 miles (16km) between Clark's Green and Leatherhead, on the A24 northbound, on Tuesday, which led to sections of the road being closed.

As a result, the Holmwood Village Produce Association's 78th summer show, which was planned for this weekend, was cancelled.

Chairwoman Sarah Jackson said: "Please, if you can, help us save our association so we can put on a great show next year and bring us all together again."

Ms Jackson said the group had spoken to Surrey Highways, who "couldn't have done more" to help the event go ahead, but it was unable to guarantee full vehicle access to the show.

The chairwoman added: "We have had no choice but to cancel it completely. This is so very sad, we work hard to bring it all together and it really does bring people together too."

The group, which set up a fundraising page with a target of £2,000, lost a "huge amount" as its biggest expense, the marquee, had to be paid in advance.

Ms Jackson said: "Add on all the other expenses that an event like this entails, and we are teetering on the brink of not being able to carry on."

She added: "Covid hit us hard, this threatens to finish us completely."

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