A HIGH profile fundraising fair, which last month raised almost £3,000 for cancer research, could be under threat after volunteer helpers fell victim to car clampers.

The wheel clampers struck in the car park at Skipton Town Hall while the Cancer Fayre was taking place in the building.

Jane Breare, chairman of Skipton and District Cancer Committee, organisers of the fair, said the way volunteer helpers had been clamped had marred the event and caused great bitterness.

She said: "For the past 30 years or so that this event has taken place our helpers have parked in the Town Hall's own car park.

"On this particular Saturday, upon arrival we were issued with 12 parking vouchers. There were a similar number for the tradespeople occupying the main hall, who paid a fee to our cause. Given that we had between 20 and 30 helpers and there were 27 trade stands, this hardly helped.

"We were not informed by Craven District Council of the new parking policy until arrival on the morning of the event and although we tried to warn everyone, as the event got under way and later helpers arrived, some were missed.

"Several cars belonging to our helpers were clamped and a release fee of £50 each had to be paid. The two men doing the clamping were intransigent and deaf to reasoned requests, telling people that our committee had been warned by e-mail of the new restrictions. This was not the case."

Mrs Breare added: "There are few who have not suffered the consequences of cancer amongst close family and friends, indeed some of our helpers have suffered personally. These events caused great bitterness and I know some committee members are considering proposing that we no longer run this fundraising event. What a sad conclusion to trying to help such a worthy cause."

Mrs Breare said the clampers were acting on instructions from the district council. She has written to the council to complain but says she has received no reply.

She asked: "Why does Craven District Council not give more access to people paying for hire of the Town Hall, particularly as not all spaces were used? At the very least, they could have warned me well beforehand of the new policy."

Jane thanked the people of Craven and visitors to the area for their kindness and generosity in helping to raise the money at the fair. The funds go towards cancer research, care and relief.

Howard Bradley, facilities manager with the council, said that it had received several letters of complaint after a number of people had their vehicles clamped during the fair.

He said the council had written to the clamping company and asked it to make changes to the way it operates. Also, disabled badge holders who had showed a genuine case had been reimbursed their £50 penalties.

However, Mr Bradley said that it was stated in the Town Hall letting agreement how many parking permits would be issued on the day.