THE location of Portland Fair has been moved as organisers look to avoid the traffic chaos that marred last year's event.

Angry residents hit out last October after Chiswell became gridlocked with cars and lorries, labelling the congestion worse than ever'.

Now island mayor Tim Munro has revealed the annual fair will take place in the open area behind the Portland pillars in Victoria Square this year instead.

Last year some local people claimed it took an hour to get from Easton to Victoria Square because of the fair's one-way system.

Others raised serious fears that ambulances and fire engines would not be able to get through the traffic jam in an emergency.

As a result Portland Town Council has consulted with residents and authorities including police, coastguards and highways chiefs about the future of the event.

Coun Munro said: "We had around 400 replies and the consensus was people wanted to keep the fair going but felt it should be moved somewhere else. We spoke to the operator, David Wynn, and we've agreed on a new spot. This will clear Chiswell - there won't be any traffic restrictions through there at all this year."

Coun Munro said the new location for this year's event, which would take place on October 26 and 27, was on a one-year trial.

"Hopefully this will be a good solution to the traffic problems we've had in the past," he said.

"Mr Wynn is happy because this will allow him to offer different, more substantial rides as a result.

"The Environment Agency are also particularly happy because although the new location's still in a flood plain it's less at risk.

"We won't have to shut the road and we should have much more parking, so all in all it looks to be a very good move for us.

"I think the new location should be good for all concerned."