By Alan Irving

Last updated 09:39, Thursday, 22 May 2008

HUNDREDS of well wishers turned out for Egremont’s “celebrity” wedding on Saturday – the marriage of England soccer international Scott Carson and his bride Amy Barton.

Happy family:Scott Carson with his wife-to-be Amy, both Cumbrian-born, and their son Hayden

It proved so popular that police had to take late emergency action to ease congestion and ensure public safety at Castle Croft.

As crowds built up outside St Mary’s RC Church, police had to close nearby Brewery Lane to traffic and also ask Castle Croft residents to move their cars which are normally parked outside their homes opposite the church.

Around 300 people thronged the area by the time Scott and Amy arrived at St Mary’s in a horse-drawn carriage for the noon wedding.

Police later apologised for any inconvenience caused to residents and businesses but said there was so much interest that they had no choice but to take the actions they did.

Sgt Joe Rothery said: “A small section of Brewery Lane was closed to traffic to ensure the safety of the public after an unprecedented crowd of up to 300 people gathered outside the church to view the wedding.

“This is a narrow lane and with such a substantial crowd gathered and spilling out on to the road the closure was essential to prevent accidents – the safety of the public is always our top priority.

“The closure lasted about one hour and a half. Diversions were put in place to minimise disruption to local residents.

“I would like to thank members of the public and residents for their patience and co-operation which greatly assisted in keeping disruption to a minimum.”

The decision to close Brewery Lane was taken shortly before midday after “a risk assessment” was carried out.

At 9am police officers knocked on the doors of some of the Castle Croft residents asking them if they would mind moving their cars off the road near the church to ease likely crowd congestion.

Some of Scott’s team mates were at the wedding. The most high profile was fellow England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, from Spurs. The pair also played together at Leeds United.

The wedding reception was held at the home Scott and Amy have in the Egremont area.

Scott, who is on Liverpool’s books but has spent most of the season on loan to Aston Villa, was born and brought up in Cleator Moor. Amy is an Egremont girl.