SIDMOUTH S FolkWeek could benefit from the offer of a �5,000 cash boost from a local county councillor. Councillor Stuart Hughes met with organisers of this year s festival at a meeting last Wednesday to discuss the possibility of providing some money f

SIDMOUTH'S FolkWeek could benefit from the offer of a �5,000 cash boost from a local county councillor.

Councillor Stuart Hughes met with organisers of this year's festival at a meeting last Wednesday to discuss the possibility of providing some money from his Special Projects Fund.

The grant will help to pay for the installation of a power supply at the Ham, a focal point of this year's festival.

An application has now been drawn up by the organisers and it will go before the Investing in Devon Committee in March.

Steve Thompson, vice chairman of Sidmouth FolkWeek Charity Board, said: "We are very grateful to Stuart. It will be a big advantage to use this as presently we are using generator power which is very expensive, noisy and emits fumes."

Mr Hughes said: "I was really delighted that I can help in this way.

"It will reduce the costs for the organisers and it will be good for local residents knowing they won't have diesel generators running all day and night."

Also on the agenda was the addition of fairground rides to this year's festival in tribute to Professor Anderton, of Anderton and Rowlands fairground company.

It will be the 100 year anniversary of his tragic drowning in the River Sid on August, 5.

Mr Thompson added: "There is going to be lots of visiting showmen in town and lots of fairground people.

"It will be a national event and the folk festival wants to get involved with it."

He said the Ham could not be used as a location for the fairground rides because the main marquee will be situated there, but Long Park is an area that has been identified.

FolkWeek organisers are now in the process of contacting the De Vey family who run the Anderton and Rowland fair.

A blue plaque is also due to be unveiled on the centenary anniversary at the Ham, provided by Sidmouth Town Council.

Mr Hughes added: "Anderton and Rowlands have got their roots in our county so it is important we are involved. The plaque will give it a clear focus and will be a boost to FolkWeek.