FRODSHAM'S popular Downhill Run could be cancelled this year due to road safety concerns.

Pounding the 1.5-mile course from the top of Frodsham Hill to the community centre in Fluin Lane has become a popular fixture for family fun runners and budding athletes.

The run has attracted more than 250 runners of all ages since the event was launched in 2006 by Frodsham Community Association as part of the town carnival which helps raise funds to maintain the community centre.

Organisers have been asked to submit a formal application to stage this year’s event to Cheshire West and Chester Council officers, who are assessing whether safety regulations will demand a road closure.

“To fund a road closure we would be looking at about £1,500 and we just can’t afford that, so the downhill run would not take place,” said community centre events secretary Sue Thomson.

She added: “We’ve never had any problems, the police have always been very supportive and runners have always been told they must stop or move onto the pavement if a marshall tells them to.

“It’s a fun thing, not a competition, and we’ve always aimed for a safe family event.

“It may well be we can carry on as before but we we’re still waiting to hear about the outcome of our application”