Councillors demand answers as travelling fair moves into town

SUDS town councillors argue that it is taking trade away from BID levy and businesses rates payers who are trying to claw back some of the revenue they lost during lockdown - and a number of them met at the local Bottons Pleasure Beach.at the weekend to show their support.

East Lindsey District Council on the other hand say the travelling fair has 'vintage rides' and was granted a licence to 'provide additional experiences for our visitors'.

Coun Adrian Findley was one of the town councillors who went along to Bottons as a show of support.

He said: "After finding out that ELDC, which is a Conservative-run council, had given permission to allow a travelling fair to set up on the old Festival Pavilion site on our foreshore here in Skegness I was furious.

"From what I see is that this fair could draw custom away from our resident fairground, Bottons, that has served our town for over 60 years and at some stage in our lives given us many good memories.

"What I’m not sure of is why would ELDC allow a travelling fairground to pitch up taking money that could go back into our local businesses. Any money they take will go with them.

"Any jobs they have are staff they have with them.

"Basically the town will not gain a single penny after going through months of worry through a global pandemic.

"As a town councillor my powers and responsibilities are limited but I still feel cheated and let down by our District Council, almost to the point of betrayal.

"Why was I, along with businesses and residents, not notified of such a unacceptable act?"

Town councillors told the Standard they have been in touch with ELDC to ask why they were not informed about the decision and why the travelling fair was granted permission to set up.

ELDC responded: "In recent years, this particular site in Skegness has hosted a number of additional attractions that have sought to increase footfall in the resort and provide additional experiences for our visitors.

"The site had been advertised as available for the 2020 season by the Council and the fairground attraction with vintage rides was granted a licence to operate on the site up to November 30 2020.

"The Council is working hard to support the economy of Skegness and the wider district and feels that this additional attraction brings added value to the great offer that Skegness already has."

Sid Dennis, who chairman of the Lincolnshire Coastal BID as well as a town and district councillor, said: "My understanding is that there is an agreement between ELDC and the travelling fair with regards to usage of land which is owned by ELDC and, unfortunately, Visit Lincs Coast DBID board has not been involved with this decision making process.

"Furthermore, many people have raised concern that the area needs alternative attractions with which I tend to agree and I believe that this opportunity could increase footfall as well as a choice of family fun at the seaside.

"Having said that I will take your comments on board and will liaise with BID Board members, the BID Manager along with ELDC and will respond if I learn anything different."