FAIRGROUND rides at Teignmouth could be slashed to £1 a ride – but only if the 'substantial' council rent is reduced.

There have been complaints that the costs of the attractions at the Den Easter and summer fairs are too expensive, especially when children are taken along.

The operator, David Rowland, in a letter to Teignmouth Town Council, acknowledged the concerns, but pointed out he had considerable overheads to meet, and one of the biggest was the 'quite substantial rent' paid to Teignbridge Council.

The amount was not disclosed, but councillors at the finance and general purposes committee on Tuesday heard that the high overheads meant that the fairs were only just economical to run.

Mr Rowland said he had to pass the costs on to customers, but would love to put on a £1 fair if the rent was considerably less.

He highlighted the value of the fair in attracting people to Teignmouth from outside the area, benefiting local businesses.

Cllr Sylvia Russell said he would probably do quite well if he charged only £1, and the mayor, Cllr Fred Tooley, described Mr Rowland as 'a very genuine man'. Pound rides would be wonderful publicity for the town.

But the letter found little sympathy from Cllr David Weekes, who conceded Mr Rowland was a 'shrewd businessman who does a lot for the community.

'But he does it for business and charges quite a lot. If he pulled out I am sure there would be half-a-dozen showmen willing to take it on.'

Cllr Russell cut the debate short, stating: 'I don't want Mr Rowland to think we are getting at him, and talking about his business in public.'

The committee did agree to a proposal by Cllr Russell to approve another licence for Mr Rowland, but for only one year instead of three. The same deal would also apply to Dawlish.

Earlier she emphasised that with local government reorganisation looming, it was not clear which authority would be responsible for fair licensing from 2010.

'There are some concerns about how long the fair is on the Den at Easter. It used to be just a few days, but is now up to ten.

'But Mr Rowland should be our preferred operator because he has done a good job.'