September street carnival rejected as 'one fair too many'

This was the view of town councillors as they discussed a bid to bring back a September street event.

Members felt the idea would be unpopular with market traders who would have to relocate stalls.

But Alan Crow, director of Crow's Amusements who made the application, said he knew people favoured the idea.

And he was disappointed with the council's response.

Turning down the request would also mean the loss of a £5,000 donation from Mr Crow towards the town's Christmas lights appeal.

At Monday's meeting, mayor Tony Hall said Mr Crow's idea had been referred to Hambleton District Council, which would be putting the matter out for consultation before making a decision.

"Mr Crow has offered a donation of £5,000 for the Christmas lights if the fair goes ahead," he said. "Hambleton now wants our views."

Mr Crow proposed using land from Friarage Street to Zetland Street only, occupying just one side of the High Street.

Rides would be placed so as not to block access to Lewis and Cooper and retailers would not be affected due to the availability of street parking.

"Even though we would need less than half the area the May fair occupies, we think the event will be more successful," he said in a letter.

Mr Crow suggested setting up on September 8, serving to the public from the 9th to the 11th and vacating the High Street on September 12. The fair would operate from 6pm to midnight on Thursday and Friday and 1pm to midnight on the Saturday.

District councillor John Coulson said the carnival - which dates back many years and used to be known as the September hirings - had often suffered through bad weather.

He said the event ceased about 30 years ago.

Coun John Prest said: "It caused a lot of disruption. I don't know if the stallholders would put up with this a second time in the year.

"It just petered out. One year it died in bad weather. Everyone went home and that was the end of it. There was a lack of interest."

Coun David Blades said the traditional May fair dates back to the twelfth century and is here to stay, protected by a charter.

"But there are people who are even fed up with that," he said. "To bring another one could be too much. The traders have had enough. We could hit some strong opposition to this."

Coun Sally Anderson said she would be raising the idea with the Renaissance Market Towns working group.

"I wonder if the idea has been raised with young people who get the most out of such events," she said.

Coun Andy Wake said: "Trade on the High Street is affected adversely when the May fair is here and I am also worried about the litter aspect and activity continuing until midnight.

"This could be one fair too many and we should say no."

With four for and two against, it was agreed to recommend to Hambleton council that the request be refused.

Coun Paul Law said: "This would be a week after the annual town carnival. Could it not be adapted as part of that and give them space on the Applegarth?"

This was agreed on Coun Hall's casting vote.

Mr Crow told the D&S: "I am disappointed. Ripon fair has been revived to run twice a year and I thought we could do the same in Northallerton.

"I also saw this as a way of raising cash for the Christmas lights. I offered a £5,000 donation plus the rent. I did not think it would be inconvenient and would not involve any loss of parking."

Mr Crow said he has no real interest in teaming up with the other fair.

"There is a spin-off here. People do gain from the fair being in Northallerton," he said.