Memorandum by J J Williams, Chairman,
The Showman's Guild of Great Britain, Midland Section (TF 30)
TRAVELLING FAIRS
The Midland Section of the Showmen's Guild of
Great Britain is responsible for the administration of the Guild's
affairs within the boundaries of the historical counties of Staffordshire,
Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
In common with the other nine Sections of the
Guild, a major problem for travelling showmen in this Section
is the lack of long-term security in the use of fairground sites.
With no sites under the direct control of our
members, all have to be taken by arrangement with a landlordin
most cases the local authority.
In some instances these sites may be the subject
of an agreement extending over a period of years. But even where
such arrangements exist there have been examples of the local
authority varying or even ending them during the duration of the
agreement, more often than not on an unilateral basis.
In recent years we have experienced examples
where sites with long and consistent histories of use by travelling
fairs, have been threatened with development or lost completely.
One site in the Black Country, a public park
where a summer fair had taken place regularly for more than 30
years, suddenly became no longer available. The exact reason for
its withdrawal was unclear, but it was suggested that it was through
the intervention of one local ward councillor. The ban was enforced
despite the recommendations of officers that its use as a fairground
be continued.
Another site in our area, a public recreation
ground that had been the site of three annual fairs since around
1911, was threatened with development by the local authorityeven
though there was a covenant restricting the use of land to an
open space or public recreation ground. Fortunately, the site
has been saved through a combination of local opposition and the
electoral defeat of the group proposing the development.
The uncertainty over the long-term use of sites
has a negative effect on the showman's ability to plan ahead and
make investments in the future of his business.
These investments might include not only new
equipment but also the site itself. Given security of tenure the
showman would wish to enhance the facilities there; eg contributing
to improved access to the site and the provision of mains supplies.
Similarly, with a long-term commitment in place,
the local authority might be encouraged to invest in the site
and, thus, make it available for other revenue-earning events.
Where an established fairground site is to be
lost to development, little or no recognition is given to the
need for its replacement. If it is accepted, as we would submit,
that a travelling fair serves a useful social purpose then it
should be policy for the developer/local authority to consult
with the showmen affected by its loss, in order to seek an alternative
site.
February 2000
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