Mega-rich TV giant Sky will try and prevent one of Stockport ’s major charity events going ahead, protesting that it will affect the employee smoking area – on a bank holiday.

Roughleys Bike Show has taken place in the town centre since 2000, annually attracting thousands of visitors and raising up to £10,000 for worthy causes.

It has been held in St Peter’s Square for the last two years - where organisers hope it will be again this August Bank Holiday, subject to council permission.

But Sky has its contact centre there and has said if an application to hold the event in this location is made it will formally object.

Among its reasons are access, safety and welfare for staff, the only evacuation route then being via the rear, and the smoking area being unusable.

As the event has grown chief organiser Andy Roughley has struggled to find suitable locations and says if it cannot be in St Peter’s Square he will be forced to move it out of the borough.

The council discussed Sky’s concerns at a central area committee meeting.

Speaking afterwards Councillor Sheila Bailey said: “It is only once a year and we have had various struggles finding a location.

“We have listened to Sky but we do not think it is a reason to not hold an incredibly popular event that raises a huge amount for charity.

“Maybe Sky should join in and have a stall at the event, I very much hope Sky will get behind this.

“It is hard to find a location for the event, St Peter’s Square is ideal as it is big enough, doesn’t affect residential properties and is easy to get to.”

Sky also says the fire service has expressed concerns and in the previous two years the site has been shut - at a total cost of £140,000 to accommodate the show.

It has offered to help find an alternative location but organisers have regularly said there are no others in Stockport.

And St Peter’s Square has had around £3 million spent on it to turn it into an events venue.

The council, Andy and Sky have held discussions but reached no agreement and now it remains to be seen if the company carries out its threat to formally object.

A spokesperson for Sky said: “After closing our contact centre for the past two years to support Roughleys Bike Show, we have been actively working with the organisers and Stockport Council to find a suitable new venue to hold the festival.

“The event takes place right outside our contact centre, blocking access and fire escapes, making it difficult for us to support our customers and provide a safe environment for our employees over the busy August bank holiday.

“We began discussions with organisers in September last year and will continue to work with Roughleys and the council to find a suitable solution.”