Northycote fruit and vegetable show set to be axed

Funding for a popular Black Country fruit and vegetable show is being axed under proposed budget cuts, it emerged today.

The Northycote Show in Wolverhampton has become one of the biggest horticultural events in the region since it was started in 2001.

But organisers have been told by council leisure chiefs they would not be able to finance this year's event.

The council put around £5,500 into the two-day event at Northycote Farm in Bushbury, which is held in September.

Chief organiser Alan Ray, aged 73, said today: "It's a real blow. We've built the show up over the years and enjoyed our 10th anniversary last year. I feel let down that the plug is being pulled just as it is at its height.

"The council want to promote the venue and they want people to be healthy by eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, then they turn around and do a thing like this. It doesn't make sense."

The show attracts crowds from across the Black Country had a total of 650 exhibits, including vegetables, flowers, homemade cakes and embroidery, filling two marquees at the farm in Underhill Lane last year.

But Wolverhampton City Council's head of parks Steve Wright confirmed that due to the current financial climate and the council's review on spending "it has regretfully been agreed to withdraw funding".

He added:"We remain hopeful the show will be able to continue and have told organisers we are happy for them to continue to use Northycote free of charge for the show. We will also give them any help and support they need in order to secure sponsorship for the event from private businesses or other organisations, through which other similar events are generally supported."

But the fruit and vegetable show's organisers say they will be unable to carry on. Mr Ray, said: "We can't afford to put it on without funding so it looks like the end of the road."