I now see the light about ghost night

I have been left feeling a bit confused, disappointed and angry over the past few weeks.

I think it is about time Leicester City Council and the managers of the museum department and historic buildings cut the red tape and calmed down when it comes to heath and safety policies.

I appreciate health and safety is in place to protect everyone and we live in a society of "where there's a blame there's a claim".

But I think it's about time charities were told about what problems us fund-raising organisers are up against.

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I run a small, non-profit ghost group, whose 20 members like nothing more than participating in ghost nights in haunted locations for charity.

Over the past six years or so, we have raised thousands of pounds.

I wanted to organise a ghost night in November at the Magazine for the lord mayor's appeal.

After I sent supporting documents including a plan of our event and public liability insurance and group health and safety procedure, and numerous e-mails and a phone call, eventually my request to host the event was declined.

The reason was absurd and annoying beyond belief: "We are sorry but due to lack of lighting levels at night it is not deemed safe to host your event."

Hang on a second, isn't that what ghost hunting is all about? Or have we been going wrong somewhere?

Even Sir Peter Soulsby laughed when I showed him the e-mails at his meet and greet session last Saturday in Uppingham Road.

The other point I want to make is why weren't we offered an alternative location?

I think I have the answer to that question – profit-making paranormal teams in it to line their own pockets and the council's.

A profit-making paranormal team will host a similar event and charge the public high rates to participate.

I think smaller groups which wish to raise money should be allowed to do so as long as supporting documents are provided and organisers and participants are aware of all the risks involved.

John Tulley, founder of Spookspys Ghost Group, Thurnby Lodge.