Ed Walley in court for alleged health and safety breach

Apr 2 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

FORMER SHERIFF of Chester and former city councillor Ed Walley appeared in court on Tuesday after it was alleged his Crocky Trail adventure park breached health and safety laws seven times.

Walley, 68, of Cotton Abbots Farm, Waverton, is the owner of the popular outdoor adventure trail which is 15-years-old this year.

In a short hearing Walley entered not guilty pleas to seven breaches of health and safety relating to insufficient numbers of staff and no supervision on the trail.

And elected for the trial to be held in crown court trial with a jury, despite magistrates saying the trial could be held in front of them.

The Cheshire dairy farmer and inventor set up the adventure trail off Guy Lane, Waverton in 1993 and has expanded it several times since.

Admission at the one-mile trail, which has mazes, swings, slides, bridges and tunnels, used to be free but prices are currently £9 per person.

The trial will be at Chester Crown Court on April 29.