THE LEADER of the district council has defended the decision to allow a funfair to go ahead in Bromsgrove.
Tommy Wilson’s Fair will start this evening on the Recreation Ground next to Asda.
It runs from 5.30pm to 8.30pm tonight and tomorrow and between 2pm and 8.30pm on Saturday and from 1pm to 7.30pm.
Coun Karen May said in a statement: “Based on the amount of emails we have received and the comments via social media, I realise that lots of residents will be surprised that the funfair is going ahead and indeed opens today.
“The original booking was made before the Prime Minister’s latest address, and although there was subsequently no impact on the operating of funfairs, other than them closing at 10pm, we felt we wanted to offer Mr Wilson the chance to consider rescheduling the event to next year, and current rates would still apply.
“The offer was declined and the council has worked with Mr Wilson on his Covid-19 specific risk assessments and are confident that sufficient safety measures are in place.
“A council officer will also be on duty during the funfair operating times to ensure the risk assessments are being adhered to.
“I do understand our residents’ concerns but ultimately it is up to individuals to decide if they want to go to a funfair during a global pandemic and if they do, then they need to act responsibly with their safety, and that of others, in mind.”
It was originally thought the council would stop the fair but, in a statement by Tommy Wilson’s Funfair on its Facebook page, it said the Government had allowed fairs to reopen from July and all its fairs had been run in accordance with the very strict Government guidelines and without issue.
“I have taken great care to ensure families can have a great day out at affordable prices in a safe and secure environment.”
It urged people to make sure they downloaded the NHS (Covid-19) track and trace app.
