A GROUNDSWELL of support for Giffords Circus is rising up in Minchinhampton after it was criticised by the parish council.

The SNJ has received a deluge of calls and letters from traders and residents rallying in support of the circus after reporting parish council complaints about it.

Mandy Evans, proprietor of The Herb Pot, said: "I live in the centre and most of the people who live near me have no complaints about the circus at all. We thought it was wonderful to have the circus in Minchinhampton.

"It seemed like the parish council was speaking for the residents. It's a bit sad because we would like them to come again next year but if they get bad vibes they won't." The complaints reported at last month's parish council meeting centred around traffic to the circus clogging up the town's roads and animals being insecurely tethered.

But circus director Toti Gifford described himself as "sad and sorry" about the comments pointing out police help had been sought to ensure roads were not impeded, while horses were kept behind electric fences and the show's big dog on a lead.

The Crown Inn landlady Rose Newbury said: "The circus is such a joy and gives so much pleasure to people. The circus people behave extremely well and I just think it's very sad that people criticise after the event.

"People may say that I'm only saying this because of business but business in rural communities needs the extra income the circus brings in."

"If the circus was a problem it wouldn't play to packed houses every night." In a letter to the SNJ, containing an excerpt of minutes recorded at the meeting, the parish council insisted it was in favour of the circus.

The minutes read: "The circus is a valuable addition to the life of the area and it is important that they continue to visit."

And parish council clerk Di Wall added: "We would hate to lose the circus from this venue but have to represent the views of all our electors, some of whom experience considerable inconvenience."

She added that the parish council hoped the committee of commoners would "ensure responsible action", "controlling visitors, so that we can all enjoy this facility and protect the Great Park for many years to come."