THE shows are returning to Alva next month following a cancellation last year over park hire charges.

Future visits by the John Evans Funfair, which has been coming to Alloa and Alva for more than 100 years, were thrown into doubt after it emerged hiring the West End and Cochrane Parks tripled in price.

At the time it was said the increases could bring about “the end of an era” for the shows, which have been coming to Alloa since 1880 and Alva since before 1908.

However, organisers say there have been positive negotiations with Clackmannanshire Council over the issue in recent times.

Indeed, the local authority’s latest budget for 2019-20 sought “to reflect a fairer pricing structure” with the introduction of reduced charges for non-commercial and non-operational days.

While the hike in prices led to the cancellation of the shows in Alva last year, funfair operators last week announced they will be returning to the Hillfoots town next month.

It will be to the West End Park first from next Thursday, April 25, until Saturday, May 4, with a special every ride for £1.50 day on Tuesday, April 30.

Then the funfair will move to the Cochrane Park in Alva and will operate from Wednesday, May 8, until Saturday, May 11.

Funfair chief John Evans, whose grandson Jorden is in the sixth generation to take operations on, said: “We are glad to be coming back because it’s been a tradition for years.”

He is promising a variety of rides and amusements, both for children and adults.

Last year’s cancellation was said to be a first in 50 years and at the time John, who has been a familiar face in Clackmannanshire when the fair comes around with its 18 families, told the Advertiser he was “more than disappointed” not to have visited the Hillfoots.

But he argued that the £300 a day hire, which went up from just £100, was excessive.

In comparison, hiring a park in Glasgow cost £318, but arguably had better business prospects with a huge population nearby, compared to Alva’s around 5,000 potential customers.