In response to critics of the Lord Mayor's Parade and Gala Day in Oxford, Mayor's parade was a shambles (Oxford Mail, June 3), I would like to set the record straight.

Oxford City Council organised the parade while Oxford Isis Lions Club arranged the charity event, and I can assure you that both groups worked extremely hard, with the aim of bringing about a successful event, following the problems encountered previously.

Regarding the "lack of publicity", may I point out that the council advertised the event on its website, produced A3 colour posters and attached four large banners to the railings of South Park?

Announcements were made on local radio, there were features in the Oxford Mail and the Town Crier publicised the event in Oxford city centre.

Hundreds of letters were sent out, both for float entries and charity stalls. But unfortunately, today's legislation is discouraging people from taking part.

Sadly, the world is a different place from the one we lived in 17 years ago.

Gone are the days when local groups could decorate a vehicle, jump on board and proudly wave to the crowds.

Nowadays, Health and Safety regulations make it virtually impossible to have a motorised float.

The guidelines are extensive and a certificate of public liability insurance for £5m is required.

Stallholders and arena attractions also require public liability. Risk assessments have to be made and requirements of the environmental health department, covering everything from food preparation to noise control, have to be adhered to.

To cap it all, event organisers are now charged a significant amount of money by the council for the hire of its parks.

Despite all this and having suffered the wettest May for 20 years, we chose to go ahead in the hope that it would be a success.

My apologies go to all who were disappointed, but lack of hard work was not the reason for its failure.

Marion Stockton, President, Oxford Isis Lions Club