Cheshire East Council could decline the use of two major town centre car parks during next Nantwich Food Festival, councillors have been warned.
A three-year contract between the authority and festival committee for use of Love Lane and Bowling Green car parks during the three-day festival has now expired.
And so far, festival organisers say Cheshire East Council has declined to commit to a further agreement.
Loss of the car parks could throw the future of the event into doubt, Nantwich Town Council heard earlier this week.
Nantwich Town Cllr Peter Groves, who helps organise the festival, said: “I’m somewhat disappointed at this given the number of people this event pulls in to the town.
“I would like this to be put on as a formal agenda item and would like to know from CEC why they have changed their policy as they have always provided these two car parks.
“They are fundamentally important to the whole Food Festival.
“I’m quite frankly taken aback, astonished and very very disappointed.”
However, Cheshire East Council said today they were “not withdrawing” use of the car parks and were open to discussions.
Wistaston Cllr Margaret Simon tabled a question on the issue at yesterday’s (December 19) Cheshire East Full Council meeting.
Her question read: “The annual Nantwich Food and Drink Festival brings a huge amount of income into the local economy and is a showcase for over 300 small local businesses.
“It brings in the region of 40 thousand visitors into Nantwich. Why then is Cheshire East Council not approving the use of Love Lane and Bowling Green car parks for the 2020 Festival?”
A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: “Cheshire East Council has supported the Nantwich Food festival since its creation and has no plans to withdraw access to the car parks used for the festival.
“We are happy to have discussions with the festival about their requirements for next year’s event.”
The three-day festival has become a major event in the town’s calendar, pulling in more than 40,000 visitors.
Marquees are set up on the two main car parks as well as on the town square.
Venues such as Nantwich Civic Hall as well as pubs, restaurants and hotels take part by hosting events.
Would be nice to extend the festival into mill island like it was years ago, better use of space
Why are CEC seemingly dithering….more than usual?!