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Walton Street residents on living with Hull Fair: 'We don't get compensation – that's a myth'

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While thousands flock to Hull Fair, spare a thought for the residents of Walton Street. James Campbell asks what it is really like living next door to Europe's largest travelling fair.

SOME embrace it, others loathe it and some simply put up with it.

But one thing is for certain, Walton Street residents cannot escape it.

For a couple of weeks each year, their lives are turned upside down as Hull Fair rolls into town.

The pumping music and screams can be heard right across the city, while the bright lights illuminate the skies.

The idea of having it all on your doorstep would horrify many people – but not Dorothy Bell.

Not only does the 79-year-old not mind living so close to the fair, she positively looks forward to it, having lived in the street since the homes were built 30 years ago.

"When my health was better, I used to go for a walk round the fair every night," she said.

"I really enjoy it and I have become good friends with the stall-holders.

"I have seen the man who sells the brandy snap grow up from a young boy.

"I like looking out the window and watching the people go by.

"I live with a friend and we sometimes get doughnuts and brandy snap, which we have for supper.

"I am a good sleeper and hardly even hear the fair and the council comes around and cleans up by the morning. I have nothing to grumble about.

"Parking is an issue, but I don't have a car nowadays."

What does irritate the Walton Street residents is the rumour that they get some kind of rebate or compensation from Hull City Council.

Jacquelyn Simmons, 54, has also lived in Walton Street since the homes were built.

"One thing that annoys me is that people seems to think we get some kind of compensation for it," she said.

"We don't get anything from the council. It would be nice to get something for the disturbance, but it's not something we have ever asked for."

fair'I REALLY ENJOY IT': Dorothy Bell says she has become good friends with stall-holders.

Indeed, the council confirmed nothing has ever been given to Walton Street residents and it has not even been considered.

The local authority argues the fair has been there considerably longer than the residents, who are aware of the situation before they move in.

Mrs Simmons remains stoic about the fair.

"It doesn't really bother me too much as it is only for around a week," she said.

"The problem is not getting much sleep. There is a lot of noise until about midnight, with young people screaming and shouting and then the bin lorries are out cleaning up at 6am.

"There isn't a big problem with crime, but a number of homes did get egged a few years ago.

"But you just have to put up with it.

"You also need to try to get things done in the morning. Once it gets busy it is a nightmare."

But Mrs Simmons admits it is not all bad.

"There are good things, such as when the grandchildren come to visit," she said.

"It is also nice to be able to nip out for a bite to eat at the food stalls. I used to head to the fair to play bingo, but I don't do that anymore."

Thomas Beeks, 72, also takes a pragmatic approach.

While hardly enthused by Europe's largest travelling fair, he admits to knuckling under.

"It's an inconvenience for a couple of weeks," he said.

"It is the noise that bothers me most, particularly after the fair when there are still gangs of youngsters hanging about.

"Last year my house was pelted with pomegranates, which hit the windows and doors, but this year hasn't been too bad so far.

"I normally go to the Walton Club, but that is put on hold during this period.

"You kind of just go into lockdown for a couple of weeks."

Mr Beeks also admits there has never been much talk of compensation.

"It's life really," he said. "They don't give you nowt for nowt."

For one resident the fair is almost unbearable. Tari Sharif, 46, lives close to the busy Bob Carvers chip stall and has been there for three years.

"It is far too noisy," he said. "I am suffering with my health and it is very stressful.

"I'm hoping to move before next year's fair.

"There is also rubbish that has blown into my garden.

"It is really bad when the fair is on and you can't go anywhere. It is very hard."

History of Walton Street

THE line of Walton Street marks the old parliamentary boundary of Hull.

In 1824, it was only shown as a simple track on the Ordnance Survey plan of Hull.

There would no doubt have been some properties along the old lane but, it is not until the 1860s that the area was developed, when James Beeton acquired land. The area became known as Beetonville.

Walton Street was almost fully built upon by the time of the 1872 census.

This date precedes the time when Hull Fair was established on its current site in 1888.

However, the current homes were only built 30 years ago, which is why residents do not receive any compensation during the fair's arrival.

The history of homes in Walton Street is eclipsed by the area being the site for Hull Fair, which dates back to the 13th century.

It has been sited at various venues in the city, including Nelson Street, Market Place and Park Street, before moving to Walton Street.

Originally, permission was given for the fair to be held in the city the day before the feast of Holy Trinity.

The changing of the calendar in the 18th century almost sparked a riot when Hull people thought the loss of 11 days would affect the fair.

A mob charged through the streets in 1751, demanding the return of their festivities.

From that year on, October 11 became the official date for Hull Fair.


Family news and advice from the Hull Daily Mail

Walton Street residents on living with Hull Fair: 'We don't get compensation – that's a myth'


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