A firm which has brought a funfair to Petersfield for 60 years has urged the town council to cut its rental charges as their Easter visits are becoming unviable.

Members of the Burnett family warned last Thursday to the council’s Sports, Recreation and Environment Committee that residents could miss out on the fun of the fair because of the price of renting the Heath.

The audience heard Burnett’s Family Funfair pays nearly £2,000 to pitch up in Petersfield compared to a meagre £60 a day to do the same in Clanfield.

“Travelling showmen are people of long-standing tradition who bring communities together, offering joy and excitement,” said family members to PTC.

“But the cost of renting fairgrounds is becoming increasingly expensive.

“We’ve been coming to Petersfield for 60 years, building trust and relationships with the local community and public, who spend a lot of money when we’re here, but it’s becoming unviable.

“What we pay here is probably the most we pay anywhere – how about putting the rent down a little bit for us?”

Cllr Jamie Matthews, who chaired the meeting, said the committee could not discuss prices at the time but hinted the council would look into the matter.