A LUDLOW town centre resident is calling for a review of the scale of the annual May Fair that starts today and runs throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
Tony Mahalaski, who lives in Mill Street, believes that the scale and duration of the May Fair is inappropriate for the size of Ludlow and should be scaled back.
He says that he is not just concerned about the noise and general disruption but also about access of emergency services.
“I do not know how fire engines or an ambulance would get into Mill Street or the town centre in an emergency,” he said.
“From humble medieval beginnings it (the fair) has morphed into a six day extravaganza of disruption, anti-social behaviour and carnage.
“This to the detriment of local householders and traders.
“The centre of Ludlow is paralysed with limited access to homes and shops let alone the emergency services.
"The inevitability of a serious accident or fire is ever present.”
Mr Mahalski moved into Ludlow last year and this will be his second May Fair in the town.
“I am keen to stress that this is not about being against the fair or stopping people having fun it is just about the scale of the event and its duration,” he added.
“It is not just in the town centre but also goes down Mill Street and Dinham.”
“I am fully in favour of a fair but one that is in scale and compatible with the town.”
The May Fair has been described as the weekend when Ludlow never sleeps but there will be a short period of decorum on Sunday (May 4) when it will provide the stage for a church service.
But Vivienne Parry, who sits on Ludlow Town Council and Shropshire Council, was outraged by the suggestion of any changes to the May Fair.
“There has always been a May Fair and it is one of the best things that happens in the town,” she said.
“People come into town for the fair and bring their family and friends some of whom would not come into Ludlow.
“Outsiders who come to live in Ludlow should know there is an annual fair and not try to change it.”
Gina Wilding, Ludlow Town Clerk, also defended the annual four days of fun.
“The current footprint and number of rides was agreed in 2009 and the duration has also not changed in recent years,” said Ms Wilding.
“Roads are closed longer than the event to permit setting up and taking down. There is a safety advisory group meeting on site on Thursday before the May Fair opens.
“Shropshire Council, Fire and Ambulance Services attend and if the safety requirements are not met then the May Fair does not open.
“Obviously the safety requirements are meet each year and the event is signed off by the emergency services after they have satisfied themselves everything is in order.
"Public protection plays an active apart in monitoring noise and lights during the May Fair and standards are laid down in the contract.”
Robin Pote, chairman of the Ludlow Town Centre Residents Association that has 160 members, said that there had not been any particular concerns expressed about the May Fair.
He said that in the past when an ambulance had been called it had been able to get into the town centre.