The annual Idle Tide fair, which was due to be held tomorrow has had to be cancelled due to the recent heavy rain.

Councillors in Idle and Thackley and Bradford Council’s Parks department have taken the decision that the event cannot go ahead safely due to waterlogged ground at Idle Recreation Ground.

Councillor Alun Griffiths said: “We are really disappointed that the Tide cannot go ahead. It is an annual event that raises money for local organisations but the ground is so waterlogged we cannot risk letting vehicles into the park.

“The ground is so waterlogged vehicles would cause damage to the pitches and we would be unable to provide car parking facilities and keep people safe.”

Councillor Chris Reid said: “We are trying to find a venue for a table top sale as a number of the stall holders still want to hold an event. We’ll advertise the details when we have a venue. Idle Tide has been held in Idle village for years. It’s a shame the weather has got the better of it this year.”

The event is traditionally held on the first Saturday after September 20 when drovers came to the village with beef cattle on the way to market and local people took the opportunity to buy freshly-slaughtered meat.