The fact that the fair was given the green light to proceed in the week leading to National Day has surprised the GSD Opposition.

Recalling when attempts were made previously by them to hold the fair during this week, these were resisted on the basis that it would cause a disruption to families, given that it coincides with the start of the academic year.

The party said that they have received reports of the frustration which many families are experiencing given that they will not be able to fully enjoy the fair because their children will have to be early in bed for an early start.

They also report that these people’s frustrations has been made more acute because the fair ends on Friday 7 instead of continuing to the eve of National Day, which would have allowed a further three nights of more relaxed enjoyment.

Parking problems is also an issue as the party has also received representations from members of the public who complain that holding the fair in the first week of September when most people are returning to work from their summer holidays is causing a severe parking problem for people who drive into work coupled with the difficulty the commencement of the school run brings.

A GSD spokesperson said: “The GSD whilst in Government listened to the advice of all interested parties and never shifted fair week to that of National week. This has been a bad decision and the Opposition roundly condemns the Government for allowing it to proceed on this basis, to the detriment of that sector of society which enjoys the fair most, i.e. our children. It is also causing a parking problem at a bad time of the year, which shows a lack of thought on the part of the Government.”