Funfair denied in town despite assurance on coronavirus measures

ASSURANCES of Covid-secure measures failed to dissuade New Milton councillors from

refusing permission for Coles funfair to set up in the town.

The attraction had wanted to use Fawcett’s Field from Monday 19th October to operate for two weekends, but amenities committee chairman Cllr Geoffrey Blunden said this would not be appropriate.

Presenting the application to the committee’s virtual meeting on Monday, town clerk Graham Flexman said Coles had told how it had offered a “Covid-compliant” funfair since July.

This had received a large amount of support during the past three months, the operator said.

But Cllr Blunden said: “Having cancelled car boot sales etc on Fawcett’s Field, I think at this particular time it would not be appropriate.”

Agreeing, Cllr David Hawkins added: “We’ve got rising figures – infection rates are going up. Let’s not go there.”

The A&T asked Woodlands-based B. Cole & Sons Family Fairground for a comment but did not receive a response.