ISSUES surrounding Tavistock Goose Fair will be fed back to both West Devon Borough and Tavistock Town Councils following a recent public meeting. The meeting discussed the many challenges of staging the annual event and was attended by traders, residents and fair showmen. There was a general consensus that the fair needs to regain some of its traditional flavour. Chaired by Cllr Robin Pike, a wide range of views were aired at the meeting, including: l Trying to measure the financial and marketing benefits of Goose Fair to the town l Seeing Goose Fair as an opportunity rather than a nuisance l Bringing character back to the annual event l Considering moving the fair elsewhere in the town to reduce disruption to residents. Cathy Aubertin, West Devon Borough Council?s facilities contracts manager, said those who could not attend the meeting had been invited to give views in writing and by email. She said the majority had written in asking for the fair to remain as it is. There were some complaints about disruption to residents, a lack of community-based stalls and little provision for the disabled. Goose Fair showman David Rowland said many people attended the event from Devon and Cornwall and showmen spent a lot of money in the town during the week too. Showman Tommy Rowland added that local schoolchildren and disabled youngsters were given free rides for an hour on the Tuesday and Thursday evenings of fair week. One resident suggested the fair should only be in the town for four days from Sunday to Wednesday. Mr Rowland said the showmen needed five operational days minimum to make the event viable to attend. Some residents said they disliked the fair and one new resident to the town said she was ?deeply shocked? by the event. A local businessman told the meeting that Goose Fair was always a good week for his trade and the event brought in much needed money for local charities. A student from Tavistock College said young people in the town enjoyed Goose Fair as it was part of Tavistock?s heritage. He suggested that if Tavistock businesses were concerned about trade, they should take a stall in the street, which would lead to more local businesses taking part in the event. The college, he said, raises more than £100 for charity every year as some fairgoers park in the school car park. West Devon Borough and Tavistock Town Councillor Mandy Govier said some traders complain bitterly about how they lose business during Goose Fair week, yet none had attended the meeting to have their say. Cllr Alison Clish-Green said a lot of work went into arranging Goose Fair but there was always room for improvement. She said councillors would listen to people?s views and take on board all positive suggestions. Tavistock mayor Jenny Metcalf added that Goose Fair was part of the rhythm and life of Tavistock and other towns are trying to set up similar events. The different views will now go before both councils to be discussed.
