THE fees charged to Tavistock's Goose Fair showmen will remain unchanged for 2013, the town council's properties committee was last week told.

A meeting was held early this spring between the town council, BID and the chamber of commerce to try and work out how the retail community in the town centre could benefit from Goose Fair.

Cllr Anne Johnson attended a further meeting with the fair showmen regarding fees for this year's event.

She said: 'They were looking for a reduction in fees, which we certainly weren't prepared to do. The fees are to remain the same for this year.

'And although they can't guarantee it, there was a feeling they would not wish to put the cost of the rides up; they were going to encourage people to keep the charges the same — they realise there's no point in putting costs up and nobody using the rides.'

Cllr Harry Smith said park and ride arrangements were also under discussion as it was decided a review was required after last year's event.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'I would commend Cllr Johnson and the committee for not dropping the fees.

'Showmen, along with farmers, often claim that poverty stalks them. I am sure they are not having the greatest of times, but Goose Fair costs us ever more each year.'