‘I don’t want funfair near my back garden’

Homeowners on Grasmere Road in St Annes said the 
arrival of four fairground rides just yards from their properties is the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and follows a series of events hosted at St Annes Cricket Club throughout the year.

Doreen Carr, 72, said she is worried the sports club was becoming more of a social club – calling it “too much” for a residential area.

She added: “At the moment I have a great big lorry at the back of my home with a ride on it. It is right outside the back wall – it is disgraceful. People are trying to say the rides are only here one night, but the rides have been here three days.

“Other events this year have included a beer festival, family fun days, caravans, campers and bands at the club – I just think it is too much for what is a quiet residential 
area.”

Mrs Carr said she and other neighbours had raised the issue with police at PACT meetings as well as Fylde Council, but said they had “got nowhere”.

She added the residents had tried to discuss the problem with the cricket club, but no progress has been made.

Mrs Carr added: “I am not a party pooper, I just feel there are other ways to get money into the club than upsetting residents.”

But club chairman John Cotton said the criticism was unfair and urged neighbours to meet them “half way” in the future.

He added: “We are providing something for the community. There was nowhere else in St Annes organising a firework display.

“We involved Brian House Children’s Hospice and they started the fireworks.

“If the neighbours were more amenable they would meet us halfway – the problem is they don’t.

“We have worked with the council, police and fire service and complied with everything they have asked.”

A spokesman for Fylde Council said: “The club does not need a permit for fairground rides.

“We do appreciate residents’ concerns but we believe there is a balance to be struck between neighbours and the requirements of the club.”