The owner of a popular funfair is devastated that a much anticipated booking has been cancelled following the government's new rule of six.

Forrest Amusements has been told it can't open its rides at Victoria Park in Deal as planned between Thursday and Saturday, September 17-19 but other events at Sittingbourne , Faversham and Canterbury can still go ahead.

Dover District Council, which made the decision, said the family run business is allowed to keep running at Dover tonight (Friday) and tomorrow, before the new bubbles of six guidelines come into place on Monday.

Owner Maria Forrest told Kentonline: "It's very disappointing to say the least. Deal and Dover are two of our most favourite places to visit. The people of Deal always support us, the locals are fantastic. We've missed everyone in Deal.

"We know a lot of local businesses and they know us.

"We've missed them as much as they've missed us. It's Quite upsetting.

This is the second time that the Dartford and Herne Bay outfit have missed out on coming to Deal this year; the first was for Regatta Week when thousands usually turn out for the town's high profile Teddy Bear's Picnic, Party on the Prom and Carnival, among other events in the event's calendar.

"It's very disappointing to say the least. Deal and Dover are two of our most favourite places to visit..."

She added: "We're so devastated that after all our hard efforts, we're not able to come to Deal.

"All the adverts are out now and people will be saying, where's the fair?"

The decision has been lamented by John Trickey, chairman of Deal, Walmer & Kingsdown Carnival & Regatta Association.

He said: "It's just another blow for the carnival season in the absence of this year's carnival but we're looking forward to a massive year next year."

Mrs Forrest added that DDC's decision came at a time when business was starting up again after lockdown.

She said: "We haven't operated our fairs until three weeks ago.

"No events were taking place throughout the country.

"Our first was Black Heath where we were for three weeks. Dover was our second venue, and Deal was going to be our third venue.

"The only reason we aren't allowed is purely the new restrictions.

"The council rang yesterday afternoon and said we can't continue with our events but they very kindly allowed us to continue at Dover until we were due to leave on Sunday.

"Although we are Covid-safe with guidelines that we stick to, obviously things have changed.

"They did mention there was a spike in the area but there doesn't seem to be any clear evidence on that but they have more information than us.The council is in an awkward position.

"We're Covid-safe, we've got guidelines in place to keep it safe, not just for the public, but for our family and our staff."

Today a Dover District Council spokesman said: "We can confirm that in line with new guidance from government, due to come into force on Monday, we have taken the decision that the fair will not be able to take place on Victoria Park in Deal on this occasion."

As planned, the fair will move to Sittingbourne, Faversham and Canterbury from Sunday, September 20.

Rides are open at Pencester Gardens, Dover tonight and tomorrow from 5-9pm.

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