A RAFT race sunk years ago by red tape is being symbolically resurrected to highlight the "unnecessary" regulations that affect community and charity events.

It's five years since the Lulworth raft race was last held and it is an example of the small community gatherings being squeezed out by rising demands of paperwork and insurance.

Organisers of charity and social events are being put off because of a culture of over-regulation in the UK, it is claimed.

Now a group of residents has joined prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate Ed Matts in a campaign to highlight problems created by increasing rules and regulations.

Mr Matts was involved in the launch of a hand-built raft at Lulworth Cove as a group of locals pledged to resurrect the Lulworth raft race next year by working through the regulations.

"Over-zealous red tape, such as lengthy health and safety regulations, and the spiralling costs associated with liability insurance, mean that people are discouraged from putting on such events or simply can't afford to," said Mr Matts.

"We must cut through this red tape and political correctness."

The raft race was once part of a fun day and raised funds for charity, until organisers felt the regulations were becoming too onerous.

"This is one of the many events in the constituency that no longer take place because people are being discouraged by unnecessary bureaucracy and expenses," said Mr Matts.

Restaurant owner Philip Rudd said: "We wanted to resurrect the raft race but were faced with a maze of insurance and lawyers."

Former raft race organiser Stuart Veneables added: "Many other European countries hold fiestas and festivals which are far more dangerous but could never happen here due to the fear of litigation.

"As these events stop it slowly but surely removes the community spirit, which further stops people getting involved."

First published: October 7