Norfolk villagers split after kicking out car boot sale after 50 years
Villagers had expressed anger at parking problems, heavy traffic and damage to the grass
For 50 years, a car boot sale has been held on playing fields in the centre of Rollesby, which is near Great Yarmouth, but after a rebellion by villagers, who have expressed anger at parking problems, heavy traffic and damage to the grass – the organisers have packed up their trestle tables and left.
Now, Rollesby's parish council's been forced to put up its council tax by 158pc to cover the lost income.
The issue has split the village between those who want the event to return and those who are glad to see the back of it.
The row has even triggered an investigation by the Charity Commission – as the playing fields are run by a charitable trust – and an intervention by Sport England, concerned that the car boot sales were preventing football and rugby from being played.
Roots of the row
There had been a car boot sale held on the village’s King George playing fields since the mid-1970s.
Since 2006, it had been run by couple Lesley and Bernard Barron, who also organised similar events elsewhere, including in nearby Hemsby.
To use the field, the Barrons paid the Rollesby King George Playing Field Trust £2,100 per year, rising to £3,500 in 2023.
Trouble first stirred in 2021 when the couple asked to extend the number of car boot sales from 14 a year to 28.
The initial application was approved on a temporary basis until December 31, 2022, by Great Yarmouth Borough Council.
But when attempts were made to make this permanent, it triggered an outpouring of pent-up frustrations among villagers who took to the authority’s website to voice their disapproval.
Problems
Rollesby residents complained the car boot sale had outgrown the village, attracting a growing number of people who were creating traffic problems and nuisance parking.
Problems escalated after Sports England, a national body that advises on the use of playing fields, became involved and objected on the grounds the events were damaging the field, making it unsuitable for sports like football and rugby.
The use of the site for car boot sales was also reported to the Charity Commission. It investigated and found no breach of the rules but did offer advice and guidance to the trustees.
The application was withdrawn in April 2023 following the backlash and the number of boot sales reverted back to just 14.
But by September, the Barrons decided to call it quits due to continued complaints from the community.
Ongoing issues
Despite this, some resentment has remained.
In arguing their case for extending the number of car boot sales, the Barrons provided evidence to show that the event long had support and had been a fixture in the village for decades.
But this had the unexpected consequence of highlighting the amount the couple were paying in rent to the trust, compared to their turnover from the events – around £20,000 a year.
Many in the village say the trustees should have charged more rent and that now that the events have gone the trust’s finances have been left with a deficit.
To cover the shortfall from the lost rent, the parish council – which has an overarching responsibility for the trust and upkeep of the fields – has been forced to triple its 2024 precept, or share of council tax.
It means Rollesby households are now paying nearly £5 more a month than last year.
In a public report, the council blamed the loss the car boot sales for the deficit, although other factors included funding cuts from GYBC as well as a “historic failure” to maintain adequate reserves.
These revelations have made some locals angry at the tax hikes.
"We're having to foot the bill"
Building surveyor Stuart Tate, is among those questioning the council’s handling of the affair.
The 51-year-old said: “Why were the council being paid peppercorn rent while the car boot operator had a large turnover?
“The field has become run down, with worn-out buildings and deteriorating facilities. Much of this has been caused by the car boot sales over the years.
“The charity has been left with no income and now we are having to foot the bill.”
Rollesby Parish Council has said it will not comment on decisions made before the last election.
It intends to put £4,800 towards the maintenance of the playing field this year and there are plans to find new revenue streams, with a summer fete and Christmas fair planned.
Divisions remain
The car boot sale continues to divide opinion in Rollesby, with some pleased to see the back of it while others are saddened at the loss of an event they say brought the community together.
One local, who wished not to be named but has lived opposite the field in King George’s Avenue for 46 years, said: “No one wants it here. Cars would park on both sides and emergency vehicles couldn’t get through.”
Darren Smith, who regularly walks his dog on the field and has lived there for 25 years, said: “It is sad for it to end and it is strange the way it has been handled.
“It used to be what you did every weekend and it brought people together.”
For 43-year-old Jenny, who moved a year ago from London and lives directly opposite, said: “It is surprising the way people have behaved.
“It is a real shame it has ended – we never had any problems with traffic. The parish council could have been more transparent about what was happening. Now the playing field is really underused.”
The playing field itself is one of a network of 506 which were established in memory of George V, who died in 1936.
In Norfolk, there are three others, in Drayon, Holt and nearby Caister.
When it was set up, the playing field was established as an individual charitable trust, with the village parish council designated as the sole trustee – an unusual relationship that causes complications in its funding.