AN old-fashioned Olympics took place on the Riverside Park in Huntingdon on Saturday to campaign against the loss of green space and raise money for charity. The event, which included a spud and spoon race and wheelbarrow and sack races, was organised b

AN old-fashioned Olympics took place on the Riverside Park in Huntingdon on Saturday to campaign against the loss of green space and raise money for charity.

The event, which included a spud and spoon race and wheelbarrow and sack races, was organised by the Riverside Users Group which is campaigning against a proposal to extend the Riverside Car Park.

Although a planning application, submitted by Huntingdonshire District Council, has been deferred, the group wants to ensure the future of the park is safeguarded.

Speaking on behalf of the Riverside Users Group, Debra Cossey-Mowle said: "At least a hundred people attended the Riverside Olympics 2006 to show their support.

Everyone really enjoyed the day and we raised £140 for the Mayor of Huntingdon's charities.

"We set up the Riverside Users Group not only to campaign against the extension of the car park and to ensure the park stays a beautiful green space, but also to promote and increase the public use of this area.

"We will plan as many events as possible in the park and we hope to be included in any discussions the council may have regarding proposals for the future of Riverside Park."

The district council's planning application would have extended the long-stay car park by 105 spaces, adding to the 300 already available.

The council argued it is essential to provide more car parking spaces in Huntingdon and that there is no other alternative than Riverside.

Its leader, Councillor Ian Bates, ordered the application to be deferred while a car parking review is carried out.

The Riverside Olympics took place from 1-6pm on the playing fields in Hartford Road.

Other attractions on the day included obstacle and three-legged races, hoola-hooping, football 'keepy-uppy' and a basketball game.

There was a minimum entry fee to the event of £1 per person. Certificates and prizes were presented by the Mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Jeff Dutton. The event was supported by local businesses including Church and Compton Opticians, Solaris Tanning and Nail Studio, The Brampton Pie Company and The Sun Public House.

INFORMATION: Anyone interested in joining the Riverside Users Group should e-mail debra.cossey-mowle@ntlworld.com or phone 07816 898282.