STALL rents at Tavistock's Goose Fair was the focus of debate at the town council's properties committee last week. Members heard the recommendation made by the Goose Fair Working Party to put up rent fees to 1.5%, except for fly pitches which will stay the same as 2013 and charity stalls which will see an increase to £5.18 per ft. Most members of the committee agreed that prices should be increased, but some felt 1.5% was still quite low. Cllr Brian Trew said: 'I think this is extremely cheap — having worked on the markets before I came to the council, the amount which can be made on the stalls is colossal, there is such a massive profit to be made in a day. It needs to be considered that this is the best place in the Westcountry to have a stall at Goose Fair — this is the fair that counts.' Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'In recent years the town council's costs have escalated massively what with the police cost and costs towards medical cover and for the general health and safety of the public. 'We owe it to council taxpayers of Tavistock to ensure that we not just cover costs but make a profit to help reduce the council tax precept for local people. 'Goose Fair is a wonderful event but it does inconvenience local people.' Tavistock Town Council's general manager Wayne Southall explained to members of the committee that the council should be careful with raising the fees too high. He said: 'I understand councillor Sherrell's concerns but the event is at tipping point as to whether it would be sustainable in the future. The balance of fees is a delicate subject which we need to get right. 'Historic traders and showmen are dropping out of the event and they are being replaced with less unique stalls. We have to be very careful at this stage.' Cllr Anne Johnson proposed that statistics into other events should be investigated, including Goose Fair in Nottingham. Councillors agreed with the recommended fees for Goose Fair this year, and to investigate the rent fees in Nottingham. • The recommendation was due to be ratified at full council on Tuesday (June 3).