THE atmosphere at Sidmouth FolkWeek promises to be electric this year, and that is partly because of the installation of a new power supply at the Ham. Devon County Council has given �10,000 plus additional costs to extend power to the Ham, for use by the

THE atmosphere at Sidmouth FolkWeek promises to be electric this year, and that is partly because of the installation of a new power supply at the Ham.

Devon County Council has given �10,000 plus additional costs to extend power to the Ham, for use by the festival and other public events staged there throughout the year.

Event organisers who use the supply will be charged.

Stuart Hughes, county councillor, said the decision was made in part to eliminate the need for festival and other event organisers to power up sometimes noisy, smelly, diesel-run power generators around the Ham.

He said: "The Folk Festival will be the first to use the new supply in a few weeks. I have already spoken to festival organisers and they're really pleased to have a permanent power supply to the Ham.

"The benefit is not just theirs though, as this supply will be available to all event organisers who have booked the Ham through the Town Council."

Sidmouth Town Council, Trustees for the Ham, has welcomed the decision.

Peter Sullivan, chairman, said: "As Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council I would like to say that this is excellent news for users of the Ham.

"This scheme has shown that different councils working together can provide excellent environmental facilities for all our residents and visitors."

Local electrician Dave Gater of Gater Electicals completed the installation for the town council.

DCC has also given a further �10,000 to Sidmouth Folk Week to support this year's festival.