FOOD festival organisers have raised fears for its future over concerns that council chiefs may cut their support.

Christchurch Food and Wine Festival president Mary Reader has been calling on the support of businesses amid concerns that the council will stop its financial and organisational help for next year’s event.

She cannot get assurance that the £3,000 funding and help in organising the Festival Market – which is the centrepiece – will continue and the council has confirmed it is yet to decide.

Mrs Reader said: “We need to start planning for the future now, so I took advantage of this year’s festival to make a plea to local businesses to come forward and offer some assistance if they want the festival to continue.”

A community interest company could be set up to take over the responsibilities that the council carry out if needed.

But Mrs Reader fears a funding cut could still see them limit what they put on.

She said: “We know local councils are having to look carefully at their budgets due to ongoing cutbacks from central government so we cannot take it for granted that the council will be able to continue this support.”

Mayor Peter Hall said he is not part of the resources committee making the decision but called on the council to continue its support.

He said: “The least the council can do is support something when people make so much effort and as it’s such a success we should reward that.

“I think it’s important we keep it going and I’m sure there’s enough determined people to do so.”

‘No decision made yet’

Christchurch council is yet to make a decide on next year’s support.

Councillor Ray Nottage, Leader of Christchurch Council, said: “No decisions have been made about our future support for the Food Festival as we are currently working on budgets for next year which have to be based on further projected reductions in the Council support grant.

“The Food Festival is a fantastic event which brings thousands of visitors to the town and we do support the organisers in their quest for further local business sponsorship.

“Meanwhile we will continue to work with the festival team as the financial position materialises and we get clarity of the future management of the event from the committee.”