THE events company behind major fairgrounds across the UK are heading to Irvine.
It comes after Thomson's Event Group were granted a temporary public entertainments licence by North Ayrshire Council.
The family company gained approval from the authority's licensing committee to operate at Irvine Moor from Friday, April 25 until Sunday, May 11.
The decision was made despite objections being brought forward by a resident living within the Williamfield Park and Grove area - adjacent to the planned fair location.
Committee members heard representations from the applicant as well as the objector before the licence was granted.
John Thomson, who operates Thomson's Family Events alongside his brother and parents, explained that that the company had been operating for 13 years now.
In that time, they have put on fairs across Scotland, England and Saudi Arabia - including stints operating the 'big wheel' during both Largs Viking Festival and whilst the Open Championship was held at Royal Troon last year.
Mr Thomson looked to alleviate a number of possible concerns, explaining that the fair site will be surrounded by a security fence.
Once this is in place, equipment - which will include a 'big wheel' and 'rollercoaster' - will be brought to the Moor during reasonable hours with the grassed area to be protected by temporary flooring.
SIA security stations will also be in place at entry points, with officers also on patrol with bag searches to be carried out when required. This is the same security which was in place in Glasgow.
Those looking to enter will pay a one-off fee for a 'wristband' which allows the purchaser unlimited use of all rides within at no extra cost - providing a "calmer" atmosphere than a traditional fair where operators are 'competing' against one another.
Mr Thomson, who would be operating in Irvine for the first time, says this allows entry numbers to be tracked and "make sure people are there for the right reasons".
He also noted that no loud music of any nature will be played, only slight background noise on rides, and microphones will only be used for safety announcements.
The applicant also pointed out that fairs have been held on the site before - in particular during Marymass.
It was revealed that the fair would be closed Monday-Thursday, operating from 5-8.30pm on Thursdays and Friday and from 1-8.30pm at weekends.
"I hope we can deliver a fun event for Irvine to look forward to," Mr Thomson added.
However, the objector then looked to highlight why approval would be "unfair to residents of Williamfield" which is "only a few paces away".
They said that the crowds would hang around after hours and that the noise and light pollutions will be "unbearable" over the prolonged duration.
Marymass fairs - which are typically over a shorter period - were described as "tolerable" though the objector claimed this event duration was "unprecedented".
They stated that the fair will be heard from all parts of their home and that residents are caused "unease and stress" about keeping their homes and families safe during such events.
Concerns were also raised over parking, making emergency service access to the site challenging - suggesting that a more suitable location should be explored.
Committee chair, Councillor Eleanor Collier, highlighted that no objections were made to the application by emergency services.
She suggested that North Ayrshire Council could deploy their own parking enforcement officers to ensure regular checks are carried out to ensure legal practices.
Committee member Cllr Donald L Reid then moved that the licence be approved, which was seconded by Cllr Christina Larsen with no objection.
Cllr Collier said that the authority's environmental health team would be monitoring closely.
She added: “We will expect that everything you said today will come to pass and there won’t be any complaints.”
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