Betws-y-Coed divided over the Celtic Summer Fayre

Sep 30 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Betws-y-Coed Celtic Fayre

A CONWY Valley village stands divided after a disagreement between community councillors and the local business community.

A number of angry business members have signed a petition voicing their concerns regarding the return of the five day Celtic Summer Fayre to Betws-y-Coed.

Local business owners say they lost thousands of pounds in trade due to Fayre stall holders being in direct competition with their own businesses.

Shop owners in the tourist village complained to their local councillors at a recent meeting that the Celtic craft fayre, which took place in July, was arranged without proper public consultation and resulted in a loss of trade.

Ash Crawley from Candlepower said: “I would be full of admiration if they decided to hold it in low season to encourage more visitors, but it seemed to have the reverse affect. Most feel it was just a money making scheme.”

Londis and Post Office manager James Craig said his takings were down by thousands.

“I am not opposed to the idea of the Celtic Fayre as long as it is not in direct competition with local business,” he said.

“My shop suffered a loss of £5,000 over the weekend of the Fayre and it wasn’t due to the bad weather either. If they had genuine Celtic craft stalls and nothing in direct competition, as was first promised, it’s ok, but all the business in Betws have to pay rates.”

Spa shop owner Rachel Evans said she had lost faith in the community council after having to throw away fresh food. She said: “There has been no public consultation from the start.

“It was a lot quieter than normal and we ended up throwing away fresh stock because we just didn’t get the business.

“We were promised by the community council there would be no direct competition with local business and yet there were a number of food producers on site.

“I have lost faith in the council after this and I hope they listen to our concerns if they do decided to hold another Celtic Fayre.

“As a business community we are not against a Celtic Fayre, but the council and organisers need to rethink when to have it.”

Georgina Roberts from Hen Siop chippy added: “A bit of competition is healthy when you are aware of it but we had no idea there would be a fish and chip van at the Fayre and had unnecessarily taken on extra staff.”

Community Council chair Jim Boughton said despite a number of letters in favour of the Celtic Fayre making a return the village, no decision had been made.

“Although there has been opposition, equally there is a large voice in the village in favour of the Fayre’s return. But no final decision has been made yet, further discussion on the matter is needed.”

Celtic Fayre organiser Nigel Rose said the event had a positive impact, saying: “Over 37% of people surveyed came to Betws just because of the Fayre.

“89% of them said they would visit other shops and cafes.

He added: “It is disappointing that a small number of businesses are opposed.

“Events are a dynamic way of attracting additional visitors and enhancing their enjoyment and experience.”