The Michaelmas Fair has been in Newbury for 300+ years, but one man who moved into Northcroft Lane in 2008 has asked for the fair to be stopped or moved.

http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=8867

There's been no increase in complaints, the police are fine with it, but WBC still wants to bully the organisers into coughing up more. That means more expensive fairground rides for everyone thanks to one man who moved into a posh flat 3 years ago. He'll be after shutting down the beer fest next, then the carnival. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT....WHY MOVE THERE?

It's about time those of us who enjoy our town centre events to tell WBC to back off and follow their own environmental health procedures which only escalate to review when a large number of complaints come in.

Hmm, the unfortunately named Mr A Wyper.  I wonder what the A stands for.

The traditional location for the Michaelmas Fair was the Market Place - why not return it there?  Get away from the mud and liven up the town centre for a few days.  The Market could move to Northbrook Street for the Saturday.

Quoted from blackdog

The traditional location for the Michaelmas Fair was the Market Place - why not return it there?  Get away from the mud and liven up the town centre for a few days.  The Market could move to Northbrook Street for the Saturday.

That would be like kettling.

Are you saying that the Council shouldn't listen to a small but rather vocal group of residents who's opinions don't match those of the majority?

Quoted from user23.3

Are you saying that the Council shouldn't listen to a small but rather vocal group of residents who's opinions don't match those of the majority?

What like those that want to build a pigeon loft in Vicky Park?

Quoted from user23.3

Are you saying that the Council shouldn't listen to a small but rather vocal group of residents who's opinions don't match those of the majority?

User,

When we have established the National Transitional Council for West Berkshire, Cartergrad will be ringed by a majority of people who yearn for democracy, an end to corruption, and the freedom to choose their own architect.

Once we have the Supreme leader out of Cartergrad and pushed back over the Wiltshire border, you will see what the majority looks like. As we dance and celebrate, the timber-clad edifices of the regime will be demolished. The people will weep as their ears adjust from the sound of roadworks and construction to birdsong and friendly banter.

And take Mr Wyper with you!

Quoted from user23.3

Are you saying that the Council shouldn't listen to a small but rather vocal group of residents who's opinions don't match those of the majority?

No, I just think the fair would have more effect in the town, businesses around the Market Place would see an increase in trade and the whole town would be more alive for a few days.

Quoted from blackdog

No, I just think the fair would have more effect in the town, businesses around the Market Place would see an increase in trade and the whole town would be more alive for a few days.

Good idea. Only problem is where to have the firework display on the Friday night? Perhaps have the Fair in the wharf and have the firework display on a temporarily covered boating pond in Victoria Park?

Quoted from Cognosco

Good idea. Only problem is where to have the firework display on the Friday night? Perhaps have the Fair in the wharf and have the firework display on a temporarily covered boating pond in Victoria Park?

The Market place is quite a good idea but would it be big enough as the Michaelmas fair is normally quite large and one of the last in the showman's calendar and it has, in the past, been a bit of a social event for them as well. I'm not sure the showmen would want to give up Northcroft though as a move to any other venue might be seen as the thin end of the wedge to getting them out. My view on complaints from the Trencherwood estate is the same as Muddler's, the fair was there long before the estate was built, a little research before buying a property there would have provided that information and the fair is no different in real terms to how it has ever been. When I lived in West Street and before Strawberry Hill was opened, we didn't complain and often the street was closed for hours as they negotiated the artics and trailers around the corner by the Lion pub. I would go so far as to say it actually provided a bit of excitement wondering if once again, the canopy over the old Lion entrance would get knocked off.

By the way, does Mr A Wyper really exist as or is it a pseudonym for someone who wishes to stir something up and like on the forum, remain anonymous. If it is his real name and initial then he must have been the butt of a few jokes. (Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.)  If not, then the council have missed it.

It's not this guy's fault. Everyone's entitled to complain, but there needs to be common sense. People near the racecourse moan about fireworks all the time. People living near pubs complain of music which makes it difficult for local pubs to survive in this day and age.

I think the point is killjoys must be challenged, and the council should have a duty to gather more evidence (perhaps from other neighbours) before imposing restrictions. Otherwise there is never any perspective and common sense is unable to prevail.

Quoted from Muddler

It's not this guy's fault. Everyone's entitled to complain, but there needs to be common sense.

Isn't this an area we could really open up for public involvement?  Our local councillors have their hands full working out  how to destroy Victoria Park and put up car parking charges, so why not consult the public regarding complaints like this?  

Each case could put their side on Youtube or similar and then we could all vote on possible solutions: scrap the fair, shut it down earlier, exile the complainant to Thatcham or whatever.  This would both by fun and would involve people in local democracy.  Really juicy complaints could be featured on Newbury TV, whatever that is.

What could possibly go wrong?

Quoted from noobree

Isn't this an area we could really open up for public involvement?  Our local councillors have their hands full working out  how to destroy Victoria Park and put up car parking charges, so why not consult the public regarding complaints like this?  

Each case could put their side on Youtube or similar and then we could all vote on possible solutions: scrap the fair, shut it down earlier, exile the complainant to Thatcham or whatever.  This would both by fun and would involve people in local democracy.  Really juicy complaints could be featured on Newbury TV, whatever that is.

What could possibly go wrong?

Taxpayers telling the council what to do? Wash your mouth out! Supposing we gave the council answers they did not want to hear?

No no no yes this will never work!  

Quoted from Muddler

It's not this guy's fault. Everyone's entitled to complain, but there needs to be common sense. People near the racecourse moan about fireworks all the time. People living near pubs complain of music which makes it difficult for local pubs to survive in this day and age.

I think the point is killjoys must be challenged

I agree with all of this.

Let's hope you're consistent in your point of view with other matters.

Incidentally, re. Newbury TV, it's here http://www.viewtv.co.uk/newbury  Anyone know anything about it, beyond what's on the website?  Apparently it's coming our way in October.

I have no idea what the schedule is but popular programmes based on the postings here would be:

Downtown Abbey - a costume drama, set in the 1990s, featuring popular local alcoholic and street person Abbey Wurzle drinking Tesco cider on the bench behind St Nic's church

Town and Country - this sitcom features well off people living in the countryside making decisions about all aspects of life in nearby towns with hillarious consequences!

The Netizens - edgy coverage of of digital life and technology, presented by the uber-cool and down with da kids BrianB, self described 'serial digital entrepreneur'

A Troll's Life - a no holds barred fly on the wall documentary set in the home of the official responsible for the local council's web presence.   'Not since 'The Family' have such raw and shocking scenes of family life been shown on UK television' Newbury Weekly News.

Any other suggestions?  Obviously my crowd sourced 'Nail That Complaint/Complainant' (working title) would also be a strong contender.