INCREASED rental fees for Goose Fair will go under the spotlight at a meeting between Tavistock councillors and the Showman?s Guild, following a last-minute dispute which threatened the success of this year?s event.

The showmen were furious at the 6% annual rise levied by the council and threatened to boycott the funfair.

Members of the town council?s properties committee last week heard income was down from this year?s event, despite the increase in rent.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said organising Goose Fair had become more and more expensive and the council had a duty to the ratepayers to charge a realistic rent, without ?ripping off? the ride owners.

?I am glad we stuck to our guns on this, and it?s crucial for next year as well,? he said.

Cllr Brian Trew said a balance had to be struck when setting the rent level. ?I think we are in danger of trying to milk a cow when we are not feeding it,? he said.

Cllr Peter Jones said: ?We have got to be careful we don?t outprice ourselves. We always seem to look at one answer, but there are hundreds of small answers. To continue to keep putting up the price will kill it.?

Cllr Iain Andrews said the fair had lost some of its individuality and had become like any fair which could be found throughout the country.

He said: ?Perhaps we are in danger of killing a fatted goose. What I miss is a presence from the

local community.?

Cllr Andrews said he thought local people were being overtaken by outside commercial interests in the fair.

Mayor Norma Woodcock said many community organisations actually made a fair profit from Goose Fair ? she thought other aspects should be investigated, such as the charge for the park and ride scheme.

The committee agreed that councillors Taylor, Pike, Andrews and Best should meet the Showmen?s Guild to discuss the way forward.