Oakwell Hall will not let man host his fun fair

Howden Clough’s William Swift hosted a fair at the tourist attraction around eight years ago.

Since then he has repeatedly tried to take his rides back there, but said he has not been allowed – because the venue would not want to host fairs like his.

Oakwell Hall representatives have told him that the car park area – the only part which is hard enough to place the rides – is needed by the public during the venue’s opening hours. But Mr Swift has said other functions have gone ahead at the space.

“We’re welcome everywhere in Kirklees and I live in Birstall – I’ve lived here 40 years,” he said.

Mr Swift said that he has held meetings with the venue’s staff but excuses were being made.

“All I’m wanting to do is bring some light to the situation. I feel I’m being victimised,” he said.

Adele Poppleton, head of Active and Creative Communities said: “The council is happy to work with operators who want to host fairs at Kirklees venues.

“Each request is looked at on an individual basis and decisions are made on the suitability of the activity at each particular venue.

“Mr Swift is holding a fair at Wilton Park this coming weekend. However, having previously trialled holding a fun fair at Oakwell Hall, we have made the decision that it is not a suitable venue for this type of activity. This is in part due to other events such as weddings regularly taking place there.

“It is also important that the parking spaces at Oakwell are kept available for the many visitors to the hall and country park. We have however invited Mr Swift to a meeting to discuss this further.”