ONE of the oldest open air fairs in Wales has been given a temporary reprieve. Criccieth Fair has been held on the town's Maes for centuries, but Gwynedd council officers wanted to move it from the town centre site to the Esplanade for safety reasons. In conjunction with the police and Network Rail, they had argued that the fair, held annually on May 23 and June 29, had outgrown its present site. Members of Gwynedd Council's Dwyfor Markets and Fairs Consultative Sub-Committee were told that the police had expressed concern over safety, claiming there was a danger of a serious accident occurring especially on the main road alongside where the fair was sited. Police were also worried about unruly behaviour resulting from the large number of young people visiting pubs nearby. However local member, Coun Henry Jones, opposing the proposed move, warned: "If you move the fair to the Esplanade that will be the end, for people and market traders will not go down there. It is an exposed area close to the sea, and dangerous when there are strong winds. "We are dealing here with a fair that dates back to 1284 and there is no record of anyone being injured over the centuries. The people of Criccieth claim that there is a greater risk of accidents occurring on the roads at other times, for the fair serves to reduce traffic speeds. All that is necessary is to adapt the general lay-out of the fair to meet present day circumstances. It's as simple as that. "We should listen to the people and not the officers." Backing him, Coun Ieuan Roberts, added: "Surely there are sufficient officers available to police the town properly on two days a year? "They found plenty when Prince Charles visited the area some months ago. We deserve better from the police." Market trader Tony Statham said: "We don't want the fair to move and I doubt whether the Esplanade is big enough anyway to take both the fair and the supporting amusements." Gwynedd councillors will debate the proposed move again later this month. | 
