PEOPLE are being asked for their views on travelling funfairs being held in Felixstowe - to see if they support the events or have ideas on how to make them less disruptive.

PEOPLE are being asked for their views on travelling funfairs being held in Felixstowe - to see if they support the events or have ideas on how to make them less disruptive.

Funfairs have proved highly controversial in recent years with seafront residents annoyed about fumes from generators, the noise of the events - music from the rides and crowds - and the operating times, sometimes bringing late-night problems.

Langer Park and Pier Bight are both used for the events, usually three times a year.

Council leader Ray Herring said: “We know that thousands of people enjoy the visits of the fun fairs to our district, and this has been true for many years.

“However, we still get some complaints from people living near to these fun fairs whenever they do come to town.

“We are now asking for people to give us their considered opinion about them, whether they should continue as an attraction for locals and visitors alike, or any ways they can be improved both for customers and nearby residents.”

A survey form has been delivered to homes and businesses in Felixstowe, an online version is at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourcouncil/haveyoursay, and copies are available from Felixstowe Tourist Information Centre.

The questions include whether people are aware or have visited any funfairs in the district, whether they think they bring in visitors, should they continue and what type of changes they would like to see happen.

The results of the survey will be included in a report to Suffolk Coastal's Cabinet at the end of the summer, and people are asked to respond no later than August 21.

Should Felixstowe host travelling funfairs? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk