SEVERAL business owners in Tavistock have voiced their concerns after experiencing poor trade during the week of the annual Goose Fair.

While many Tavistock residents struggle to park during the days surrounding the fair, shop owners were especially disappointed this year by the road and car park closures.

The fair dates back to the early 12th Century, when it was held every September 29 and provided the opportunity for business and animal trading. It was considered a social event for wives and daughters. The name Goose Fair is thought to have stemmed from farmers buying their geese ready to fatten for Christmas.

The fair, which is now held on the second Wednesday in October, invites market traders from all over the country to sell wares and provide entertainment.

Despite the long-running tradition of holding the Goose Fair in Tavistock, many business owners have said that decisions made to control traffic had negatively affected their trade.

Debbie Walsh, owner of Tavistock Pet Emporium, is one of several business owners unhappy about the traffic changes.

‘I like the Goose Fair but I don’t think it’s right at the moment,’ She said. ‘I’ve got two businesses here, my other half runs Worth Electrical and we both lose a huge amount of money during Goose Fair week. I made nothing on the Tuesday – the whole town closes! It seems to be turning into a fair for outsider traders. My first two years I was here I opened on Goose Fair day and took less than £60 each time.’

Debbie also said that her deliveries were affected due to the limited access to the town.

‘The fair seriously affected my deliveries — my supplier only delivers once a week and wouldn’t come near Tavistock. I often take orders for deliveries from customers, I pick them up from the shop on a Tuesday evening and take them on my way home but I can’t do that because you can’t stop outside.

‘This year, on Tuesday, I had a chap in here telling me all the stuff I had in the shop that he would be selling outside! And on the same day I got my BID [Tavistock Business Improvement District] bill, my rates bill and my parking permit bill!

‘If it was one day I could swallow it but it’s the whole week. People don’t want to come through the traffic. Maybe every shop should have a stall but I pay my rates already so I don’t want to pay loads for a stall too. I don’t by any means think we should stop the Goose Fair but maybe put it in the park or have stalls in the roads outside the shops. If we can’t get some foot fall up here by the shops it won’t be worth it.’

Debbie also said that she was disappointed not to be able to use the car park, which she pays a permit for, during the week of the Goose Fair and that she believes she should receive a rebate.

She said: ‘I think it should go back to being a more local fair with more fun stuff. I‘ve lived here for eight years and I’ve seen the Goose Fair deteriorate. I’m not anti Goose Fair but what I am is pro making Goose Fair good for everybody.’

Keith Hall, director of Dartmoor Photographic, was also disappointed by the week. He said: ‘Our trade wasn’t very good on Monday and Tuesday — the roads were all coned off which is pretty poor. It was a lot quieter and it’s always quiet during Goose Fair week.

‘Everyone has trouble parking if they try and come into town, the council needs to change it and stop filling up the car parks. I don’t think the roads should be closed either. In the evening cars were parked where they had put the cones anyway. They have to have the car parks open during the week – if they have to be closed during Goose Fair day then do it, that’s ok, but not for the whole week.

‘The people who were coming in last week, 99 percent of them said they wouldn’t come into town on Goose Fair day. We opened throughout the day this year, which we never usually do because other traders say things get pinched. It would be nice if the whole town had opened because the Goose Fair should bring in customers.’

Keith said that his trade had returned to normal since the fair.

Wayne Southall, general manager at Tavistock Town Council, said that the road closures were the same as in previous years. He added that, other than last year, a fairground was usually located in the Bedford and Wharf car parks, though the decision to have a break last year was made by West Devon Borough Council, as Tavistock Town Council did not have authority over the car parks.

He also said that Tavistock Town Council did not have the power to enforce on-street parking wardens as Devon County Council controlled the street parking.

Despite some unhappy traders, others considered the day to be a success — a partnership between Tavistock Town Council and Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, provided some local business owners with an opportunity to promote their businesses. From their pitch at Goose Fair, the Chamber of Commerce was able to hand out more than 4,000 leaflets showcasing the businesses of members. With businesses experiencing benefits from being involved in the partnership already, the chamber is looking to have space for around 18 businesses at Goose Fair next year and has begun discussions to have a booklet and map within it showing visitors where the shops are located.