Muddy hell at Goldwell Park

Vehicles had to be towed off the site in Newbury by tractors.
West Berkshire Council has blamed the damage on heavy rainfall experienced in the lead up to the fair and has promised the Green Flag-awarded park would be levelled and re-seeded at the expense of Showman’s Guild, which runs the fair.
But some residents in Northcroft Lane are now calling for the annual five-day fair to be relocated.
Peter Robinson said: “I expect the blame game starts now, but I think full disclosure is the least we can expect.
“Whatever happens, I think we can now really say goodbye to the fair, with regret.”
Another homeowner, who did not want to be named, said: “The fair has got to go and it should never come back.
“The park is an absolute mud bath and so are the pavements and roads. It’s very dangerous; I’ve seen people and cars slipping.
“This is a lane and there are huge vehicles driving up and down; I’m worried about the damage it’s doing to the foundations of our homes.
“Another problem is fair vehicles park on the pavement; blocking our driveway and door.”
However fellow resident, Janet Wheeler should go ahead as long as the ground can be protected.
“When the site was being cleared there was the occasional vehicle on the pavement and blocking my drive. There was also mud everywhere. It’s annoying but it’s temporary and the weather has been particularly bad this year.
“It would be a shame not to have the fair but people walk their dogs and have picnics in the park. I think if the fair is to be here again there needs to be better provision to protect the ground.”
The secretary of the London branch of the Showman’s Guild, Toni Bull said: “It’s been a very unusual year for weather conditions.
“We’ve had communication from the council about clearing up the site, which we pay for up front. It’s our responsibility.
“Hopefully we’ll be back next year. We would consider another venue or putting on an additional fair in Newbury but it depends on availability, space and whether the ground is suitable.”
Public relations manager for the district council, Keith Ulyatt said: “The value of the organiser’s bond is £2,000. We are currently obtaining estimates from contractors for the re-instatement. If it is in excess of £2,000, the organisers will be sent a bill.
“The organisers have a right to hold the fair in the town, and Northcroft Park has been deemed the most appropriate location.
“We could only look to intervene if the fair posed a health and safety risk, which is not the same as having power to prevent the fair per se being held.”
Mr Ulyatt added that work to re-instate the grass at the park would be undertaken once the construction of separate flood defence work has been completed nearby.
The future of the fair has been under threat in the past; last year a review of the event was carried out by the district council following complaints of excessive noise, loutish behaviour, and people urinating or even defecating in people's gardens.
The council allowed the fair to continue but asked the organiser’s to employ more stewards.