Felixstowe: Families fed up with Bank Holiday funfairs

Householders in Sea Road, South Hill and Undercliff Road West say they have endured disturbance for years at Easter and Whitsun and while they are prepared to suffer once a year, they believe they should be given a break and not have every holiday ruined.

Alternative sites for the event have been suggested, including the south seafront, Langer Park, Eastward Ho and Clifflands.

A five-day fair is due to set up on Pier Bight, in front of the leisure centre, and Convalescent car park this weekend for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Seafront resident Tass Patsalides, who has written to Suffolk Coastal council to complain on behalf of residents, said it was not a Nimby issue. He said the fair caused disruption and inconvenience to people living in the area.

“We are subjected to non-stop music played at full volume morning, noon and night when, in fact, we would all like the quiet enjoyment of our properties and in particular our gardens through this period,” he said.

“As it is, we have to shut all our windows and blinds to gain both quiet and privacy.

“I now find myself trying to arrange weekends away that coincide with these events as I find them so acutely disturbing.”

Over the years, there have been complaints from residents and Suffolk Coastal has taken action to restrict noise, music, and control setting up and opening times.

A council spokesman said: “The council has previously carried out surveys of both residents and visitors to the fairs to help it put in place a policy regarding funfairs in Felixstowe.

“We have put in place restrictions to try and minimise the inconvenience to residents but the fairs are an important part of the attractions of this resort town and bank holidays are clearly a time when visitors are most likely to want and expect a fair to be on offer.”

Other sites had been examined in the past, he said, but the main seafront was felt to be the best location and close to other seaside attractions.