THE travelling fair on Teignmouth seafront may be outstaying its welcomeSome local councillors feel the number of days it is allowed to set up its stalls and rides has steadily increased, to the detriment of local traders and the state of the Den.One felt that this type of entertainment was past its sell-by date, while others leapt to the fair's defence, saying it was a great favourite with the younger generation and the owner made generous donations to local organisations.And a local restaurant owner has announced he may make a counter bid to hire the Den during August to block the fair, and 'give the Den back to the people'.During a wide-ranging debate on the issue at a town council meeting, Cllr Terry Falcao declared they had 'too much of the fair', and there were plenty of other events going on in the town.'It has too much exposure, and too much access to the town. It seems to me the fair has gone past its sell-by date and we should review the situation."Cllr Sylvia Russell, who lives on the seafront, said that when the fair was not there, crowds of people enjoyed picnicking and relaxing on the green.'It is used by thousands, but the grass is compacting because of the heavy equipment from the fair and desperately needs a rest.'Some of the caravans are now like travelling bungalows, and one of the rides weighs 50 tons. You cannot inflict that on the Den year after year without damage.'Cllr Geoff Bladon recalled that, in the 1950s, the fair used to stay for four days and was a real treat for locals at a reasonable cost.'But now they have to charge more for the attractions because the rent paid to Teignbridge is too high. If the rent was lower, the cost could be reduced, which would attract more people in the town to the benefit of all, including the traders.'Cllr David Weekes had sympathy with those who lived and worked in the immediate area who had to put up with the fair. It was a contentious area, along with the length of stay, but they should wait until the end of the year when a review of the whole matter was due to be undertaken by Teignbridge.Mayor Cllr Vince Fusco emphasised that the fair had a long tradition of coming to Teignmouth and he wanted it to continue, as long as it did not stay too long.Cllr Ian Parkes staunchly defended the fair and its boss, David Rowland.'It is here for about 11 days a year and the younger generation like it. It is a big tourist attraction and I am sure other towns would grab it if they could.'Mr Rowland is a big benefactor to the town, especially the carnival and the regatta. We should be very grateful to him.'Members also considered a three page letter from the owner of the Beachcomber cafe on the seafront, Ralph Brown, complaining about the fair.He wrote that, over Easter, the highest rides were placed in front of his premises, blocking them completely from view.The fair owners would not move the rides and trade fell off, resulting in staff being temporarily laid off.He had no problem with the fair in principle and regarded competition as healthy, as long as it was fair.'Is it right or fair that our business that employs more than 30 local full and part-time staff, pays business rates, purchases all is produce and stock locally, is open 364 days of the year, should be treated in this manner?'We do not consider we have enjoyed quiet and peaceful enjoyment, and we consider we have been penalised by the actions of the council by allowing no stipulations to the fair's licence, and carte blanche to David Rowland.'We consider that the council has a duty of care to us, not only as a business, but as our landlords. This has had a damaging effect on our business.'Mr Brown added that he had used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain details of the fee paid by the fair, and might bid for use of the Den during the fair summer dates to 'give it back to the people of Teignmouth for recreational use'.