Weston residents make peace with travelling fair

Carters Steam Fair operators and nearby seafront residents in Weston-super- Mare have reconciled their differences.

The fair arrived in the resort on Saturday, for the second year running, with its traditional vintage rides and attractions dating back to the 1900s.

However, Beach Court residents opposite the Beach Lawns have raised concerns about its return following last year's experience.

They were unhappy about the amount of noise and the fumes coming from generators to power the rides and complained.

Carters were keen to revisit Weston once more and to allay the residents' concerns, has come at a cost to the family- run fair.

They have invested £30,000 on new generators and transformers to reduce the noise coming from the rides.

In addition they have changed the site layout, shielding the edge of the fair with transport and accommodation vehicles and a noise limiter has also been fitted to the dodgems.

Residents were yesterday invited along to meet fair owner Anna Carter and her three sons and two daughters, who all run the fair together.

Her son Joby Carter, 34, said: "We are so happy to be back and we are happy that the residents are now happy.

"When you come to Weston people are notably friendlier and we get so many positive comments in our comments book. Last year the noise and smell of the generators upset some residents so we spent £30,000 on new generators and transformers.

"We are a business and regardless of the amount of time we are here, we want people to be happy. We have got to sit up and take notice of any concerns and we have addressed all the issues."

Residents who attended the visit said they were now happy.

Terence Squire, 70, retired accountant, of Beach Court, said: "Last year there were noise and pollution issues but this year Mrs Carter has alleviated these concerns.

"There have been no problems since they arrived and if it stays like this there won't be a problem."

Eileen Walker, 72, retired insurance underwriter, also of Beach Court, said: "There are still some music issues but this is 100 per cent better than last year.

"I'm still concerned about the length of time they are here, they could do two or three stops on the way to Weston and then make their stay here shorter."

Mrs Carter said: "We are a beautiful old Steam Fair with all our rides perfectly restored. The fair attracts many people to the resort.

"Surely Weston's main source of income is tourism and with the loss of the pier I would have thought all the residents would have welcomed us with open arms."