Goose Fair stallholders concerned over tram strikes

A Goose Fair stallholder has voiced her frustration over potential Nottingham tram strikes during the annual event.

Lesly Barker operates two catering stalls at the historical fair, which is based on the Forest Recreation Ground outside the city centre and will run from Friday to 6 October.

The 65-year-old, from Sileby in Leicestershire, said coming to the fair had been a long-standing family tradition, but was worried about the latest threat of action during the event.

Last year, planned strikes were called off one day before the event started, while trade union GMB and tram operator Nottingham Express Transit (NET) both say they have been trying to reach an agreement.

Nottingham's Goose Fair has been running since the 13th Century and attracts thousands of people to the city.

Ms Barker said she was concerned potential strikes could dampen visitors' spirits.

"We already battled the weather, now we're battling the fact that we've set all this up and people can't get to us," she said.

"I think they might want to respect our point of view and not threaten to go on strike every time the Goose Fair comes."

Colin Pawley, 73, from Selston in Nottinghamshire, runs Animal Kingdom 2 and a football penalty game at the fair.

"The atmosphere is unbelievable," he said.

"I've been coming for 54 years, and my wife has been coming all of her life."

Mr Pawley said he was "extremely worried" about how the strikes could impact the event.

"It'll affect people coming to the fair," he said.

"It's such a shame for all concerned - I just hope it doesn't happen."

In a statement, NET said it "remains in ongoing talks and negotiations with GMB in the hopes of coming to a resolution", adding it is working on "contingency travel plans to cover the potential strike period, should it go ahead".

Colin Whyatt, GMB regional organiser, said: "It is easy to see why so many Nottingham people are furious with tram bosses over this.

"Our members have been trying to reach a resolution on this for months, despite the unnecessary delays and barrier put up by management.

"With Goose Fair on the horizon, we've been calling on tram bosses to see sense.

"However, after months of talks we now have an offer on the table and it will be for our members to decide over the next 24 hours if this goes far enough."

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.