THE fate of a an annual Pinner tradition dating back hundreds of years hangs in the balance after local traders revealed the scale of the damage they say it does to their business.

Discussions are underway on the future of Pinner Fair, but a survey carried out by Harrow Police, which has been shown to the Harrow Times, reveals there is significant unrest about the fair in its current form.

Particularly damaging are Pinner traders' estimations of lost earnings when the fair is in town, totalling more than £166,000 for the two affected days.

Police are looking at possible options for future of the fair, and say if it continues as a fun fair they will pass on the £138,000 policing costs to operators The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain.

Chief Inspector Nigel Crane, who is heading the fair review, said he believes it is no longer appropriate for taxpayers to fund what is considered a commercial venture.

He said: “The primary objective has to be, no matter what happens regardless of cost, that Pinner Fair is a safe event.

“The Met policing costs recovery is something I'm going to pursue, particularly given the current squeeze on the public purse.”

The survey of 215 homes and businesses in the area directly affected by the fair showed only 32 per cent of responders believe the fair should continue as it is.

An overwhelming majority of 78 per cent backed the police's demands for the Showmen's Guild to cover policing costs, and more than half the business owners who replied said they have to shut up shop when the annual fair is on, losing valuable custom.

Some of the comments from the survey are equally damaging to the event's chances of continuing as a fun fair.

Some said crime notably rises in Pinner while the May-time fair is on, and one business owner commented: “It brings the wrong people to the area and is not beneficial to Pinner residents or business in its current format.”

Another went so far as to say: “I would be glad to see the fair being abolished as we lose a great deal of money over the two days.”

George Irvin, chief steward for Pinner Fair from the Showman's Guild, criticised the way the issue has been handled by police.

He said: “Of course these things have to be looked at, but the way it is being discussed at the moment, I think is terrible.

“We have not had meetings with anybody since last year's fair and this issue has been brought out into the public without a single meeting.

“This is the most well attended event anywhere in the area, and it goes without saying that people want it. If there was no support for it, then people would not come.”

The fair is protected by a Royal Charter granted by King Edward III in 1336, and the charter would be lost if it did not happen one year.

Chief Inspector Crane has outlined possible future directions for the fair for residents to comment on. These include it continuing as it is, being completely abolished, or returning the fair to its community-run roots instead of being a fun fair.

Councillor Susan Hall, deputy leader of the council, backed the police's decision to review the terms of the fair.

She said: “It attracts thousands of people each year from outside the borough, and I don't see why the taxpayers of Harrow should pay for this – it should be self funding.

“The council will support what ever residents what. Does the fair still live up to its historic origins? If not, is it time to create another Pinner fair that more accurately reflects the centuries-old tradition?”

Extensive discussions are due in the New Year between the Showmen's Guild, the council and the police, when the fair's future will be decided.