What the blazes? Scarecrow uproar at torch threat

The straw men and women will be sited along the route of the Olympic Torch, raising fears of a bonfire of the mannequins.

“One stray spark could see us all go up,” said a spokesman for USARS (Union of Scarecrows and Associated Rook Scarers), Mr W Gummidge.

“It’s outrageous that this could even be contemplated in our so-called civilised society.

“Now how about a nice cup o’ tea and a slice o’ cake?”

The Olympic Torch comes to York on June 19 and 20. Scarecrows will be sited on two legs of its route. The third Planet Southbank scarecrow trail will see them lined up along Bishopthorpe Road.

Last year, 200 people got involved making 50 scarecrows for local gardens. This year, they’ll be on display from 16 to 19 June.

Meanwhile in Clifton scarecrows of all sizes will be appearing between 18 and 24 June, supported by Burton Stone Lane Business Enterprise Partnership and St Luke’s Church, Burton Stone Lane.

The authorities seem to be unaware of the risks involved. City of York Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “I love that the scarecrows will be adding to the welcome that the Olympic Torch will enjoy as it visits York.”

But YorkMix has obtained shocking video evidence of the dangers a naked flame poses to scarecrows. Warning: this clip contains scenes of a nature distressing to scarecrows and their loved ones.