A FORMER councillor is vowing to fight moves to evict Ripon's twice a year fairground from its traditional home on the Market Square.

The funfair was temporarily banned following a £2m revamp of the Market Square area because of fears that heavy equipment and rides would damage new paving.

But a trial run found no problems and Harrogate Borough Council gave permission for the fair to return.

On its return, the fairs drew large crowds and their reinstatement was also backed by Ripon City Council and the police.

Ripon taxi driver Tony Simpson has reacted angrily to suggestions by former mayor John Richmond that the fair should be moved to Ripon Racecourse.

Mr Richmond said removing the fair would free the Market Square for a range of activities linked to the annual St Wilfrid's Procession, usually held this month.

Mr Simpson, who until two years ago was a Ripon member on Harrogate Borough Council, said he had campaigned for the return of the fairground, backed by the public, just over two years ago.

"I asked the public what they thought and they said overwhelmingly that the fairground should return to its rightful place in the city centre," said Mr Simpson.

"The fair should stay where it is.

"That is what people want. It is a tradition and it is in the heart of the city."