The Weymouth town council has taken the decision to axe the seafront funfair. Following complaints from a minority of local hoteliers and businesses about the noise and antisocial behaviour.
The Weymouth Town Council’s Services Committee meet on the 22nd of February 2023.
Initially,
Cllr Hope proposed that the Committee agrees to all the dates proposed, with the following amendments:
- That the breakdown times are between 8 am-6 pm on weekdays and between 8 am and 1 pm on Saturdays.
- Include in the contract the need to provide CCTV at times deemed necessary by Officers.
This proposal fell for lack of a seconder.
Cllr Brookes then Proposed to reject the funfair booking proposals outlined. Cllr Roos Seconded the proposal.
The Services Committee then voted on the proposal, set out by Cllr Brooks. The committee members voted with a majority of five in favour, and two against, to reject the funfair booking proposals.
Cllr Dickenson also proposed for no additional funfairs to be booked, other than those already agreed by the Committee. Which was seconded by Cllr Toft. The committee members voted with a majority of five in favour, and two against.
This decision has been met with a mixed reaction from the local community, with some understanding the need to reduce disruption to local businesses, and others lamenting the loss of a much-loved attraction.
The funfair had been a staple of the seafront for around 30 years, providing entertainment and enjoyment to both locals and tourists alike. It is not yet known what, if any, plans the council has to replace the funfair with another form of entertainment.
The decision to axe the funfair has been met with disappointment from many, and the council is now under pressure to find a suitable replacement to ensure the seafront remains a vibrant and attractive destination. It is hoped that the council will be able to find a suitable alternative that will be both enjoyable and respectful of the local businesses.
Cllr Ryan Hope stated on social media –
“I’m still angry though that it’s going to hurt the Councils budget which may be put onto the precept next year”
A member of the public on social media stated –
“Absolutely ridiculous! It’s a seaside town”
Another stated -“Because the do-gooders that probably aren’t born and bred locals move to a seaside town then winge about what a seaside town represents it’s a joke”
Lewis Henley-Francis