Residents’ Association’s Concerns Over Circus Coming To Bannister’s Field

Published on: 17 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 19 Sep, 2017

The circus is coming to town, but the chairman of a local residents’ association has raised concerns over the site it will be on – Bannister’s Field, near Guildford’s Tesco store.

The chairman of Ashenden Residents’ Association, Alastair Knowles, pictured in Egerton Road that borders Bannister’s Field.

Alastair Knowles, who chairs the Ashenden Residents’ Association, is not pleased over the adjacent Bannister’s Field owners Guildford Borough Council’s decision to allow Zippos Circus to stage its show there for six nights from September 21 to 26 (2017).

He said: “We were not considered or informed over the decision about holding it on the field. We are worried about litter, noise pollution, toilets, security, traffic, damage to the grass, etc.

“We find it hard to swallow as, we the tax payer, have not been asked if we want the circus there. People play football there most nights and lots of people walk their dogs there.”

Mr Knowles, who is also vice-chairman of the Park Barn & Westborough Community Association, contacted Guildford Borough Council and a spokesperson’s reply to him included: “The circus will move onto the site on Monday, September 18.

“They will be open for business from Thursday 21 to Tuesday 26 September and will leave the site following their last performance on Tuesday 26th.

“Zippos have an excellent reputation. The show appears each year in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland and they are renowned for being one of Britain’s favourite circuses. We have worked with Zippos for several years. Their shows are well attended and we have always found them to be very co-operative. They leave the site very clean and tidy and they have been a pleasure to work with.

“Martin Burton from Zippos Circus is keen to forge good relationships with all local residents and businesses. I have passed him your contact details so that he can tell you a little more about his circus.”

Bannister’s Field. The Ashenden estate is beyond the field.

Fellow Ashenden Residents’ Association member, Fran Winder, in correspondence with Mr Knowles added: “It’s not about the quality of the circus, is it? It’s about the totally inappropriate siting of this event on a small field in a built-up area, with narrow access.

“A ‘no parking at Tesco’ statement has no legal force and will not be policed. [The site is]  too close to a hospital – does GBC actually know what goes on inside it?

“It is an extra security nuisance for Tesco and the unlighted Ashenden Estate.

“And in the face of our concerns, to say that the council hopes local residents will enjoy the circus is insulting.”

Bannister’s Field has been used for previous public events with no apparent issues or concerns.

Picture from May 2015 when The Big Wheel one-day event was held on Bannister’s Field.

In May 2015 it was used for The Big Wheel, a free one-day event that focused on cycling, walking, and healthy living. It was organised by Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s Joining In! project, that supports community involvement, with plenty of volunteer help, and assistance from Guildford Borough Council’s community wardens. Several hundred people attended the one-day event.

On September 24, 2016, the council’s community wardens hosted the Guildford Games 2016, another successful community event, with many attending.

Click here for our report on The Big Wheel.

And here for the Guildford Games 2016.

See our story about Zippos Circus in Guildford and a competition for free tickets.

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