Laura Bagshaw THE Easter Fair in Great Yarmouth left several residents confused over the cost of rides - with prices allegedly hiked on Sunday by 50p. Michelle Fuller, of Chaucer Road, said prices had increased from �1.

Laura Bagshaw

THE Easter Fair in Great Yarmouth left several residents confused over the cost of rides - with prices allegedly hiked on Sunday by 50p.

Michelle Fuller, of Chaucer Road, said prices had increased from �1.50 to �2 on Sunday when a 50p voucher featured in a council advert in the Mercury and Advertiser and valid for all rides on that day.

The 37-year-old went to the fair with husband Robert and her two children aged four and 18 months on Saturday and Sunday and noticed ride prices had increased on the Sunday.

“The prices had been put up but when my husband questioned one of the fair workers, he was told to keep his voice down. If we hadn't have gone on Saturday we wouldn't have known. It's daylight robbery.”

The family spent �20 in just 40 minutes on Sunday, something her father Keith Wymer described as a “big sting”.

He said: “It goes against the spirit of the fair. This is meant for children. It can't happen again.”

The Mercury informed the council and market manager Duncan Mallet said it would be included in a report made to the Showman's Guild, which oversees the running of such attractions and which in turn would take necessary action with the fair operators.

Mr Mallet said there had been some confusion over ride prices on Thursday evening but this had been resolved by market supervisors.

Crowds turned out in force for the fair which in the Market Place over the weekend.

In time honoured tradition, Mayor Terry Easter led the civic procession last Thursday from the Town Hall to the fairground rides, accompanied by councillors, officers and music from the 901 Troop Winterton Marine Cadets.

He handed over the ceremonial key to the fair to Rowan Henderson, senior vice-president of the Showman's Guild. For only the second time, the fair ran for four days, finishing on Monday and featured heart-in-the-mouth rides such as the Extreme and the Terminator to more sedate attractions such as roundabouts and cuddly toy stalls.

On the Saturday evening there was a firework display in the town centre to coincide with the fair.