CHORLEY'S first street fair sparked off a roller coaster ride of complaints and congratulations.

Many Market Street traders slammed the decision to put rides on their doorstep claiming a slump in profits.

Christine Stingfellow of Stringfellows florists was distressed by the whole affair. She said: "We lost £500 this weekend. On Sunday I took £3.25. Wasn't the fair supposed to bring trade into the town?

"My nerves were on edge the whole time. I was worried sick about my windows being put through.

"The generators gave me a thumping headache and made it very difficult dealing with sensitive situations such as funeral arrangements. Next year I shall certainly raise a stink about the fair."

White Bull landlord Dennis Eborall, who started a petition against the fair beforehand, said: "It went well and there was little damage.

"But it should have been on the flat-iron market and not blocking Market Street, the main thoroughfare through the town. I lost £500 in trade."

Donald Bateman of The Gallery, St George's Street agreed. He said: "It would have been common sense to leave this area for shoppers.

"The fair killed business. I took just £20 on Saturday which is usually my busiest day. It will take me weeks to recover.

"The noise drove me insane. The fair brought slot machine addicts and not shoppers to the town."

Some shops, however, revelled in the extra crowds. The Crispy Cob enjoyed increased trade and a "great atmosphere", with successful Sunday sales.

Ethel Austins manageress Deborah Hughes said: "Market Street was heaving with people. Shoppers stayed longer and later and sales were up."

Chorley Travel staff said changing shopping patterns meant trade was not affected by the weekend fair.

A spokesperson said: "We can be busier on Wednesday afternoons than Saturdays. The fair was great for the kids. There's usually not much to do in Chorley."

Jose Hampson of Hampson's toy shop, who is also Chorley Chamber of Trade secretary, said: "New people came to the town and will hopefully come back. It was a smashing show with plenty for children. Next year with more preparation we can publicise it more."

Chief Inspector Neil Walsh said: "There were some skirmishes but nothing specifically attributable to the fair. Chorley is always busy at the weekend with some disturbances.

"The fair was a success. The public came to enjoy themselves so there was no trouble."

Roger Handscombe of Chorley Borough Council's Commercial Development said: "The fair was a great asset to Chorley and the town was packed, but we expected a difference of opinion.

"There were police reinforcements and the fair had its own security staff. There was no damage or vandalism.

"It has done the town a lot of good and next year we will meet those concerned about running the fair again."

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