ORGANISERS of Wiltshire's largest free event have been reassured the show will go on after fears the popular extravaganza could be under threat.

The future of the West Wilts Show looked in doubt after reports emerged that West Wiltshire District Council was considering whether to pull or reduce its support for the biennial three-day event.

The council's cabinet reaffirmed its support for the show this week but has asked staff to look at ways to cut the financial contribution made. Currently the council pays out £12,000 cash over two years, plus the equivalent of £85,000 of officer time.

Cllr Graham Payne, vice-leader of the council, said the cabinet was absolutely solid in its support for the show.

He said: "The show is well supported and makes a significant contribution to community life and the economic health of the district.

"Although it is only right that we monitor the cost to the council of our involvement, there is absolutely no question of us pulling out of the event."

Officers have been asked to consider the impact of

withdrawing the £12,000 cash contribution and £10,000 of officer time.

The show, which attracts between 80,000 to 100,000 visitors, is a partnership between the district, town and parish councils, and the business community. Representatives attended the cabinet's meeting last week to urge councillors to continue backing the show.

Show steering group chairman Michael Williams, chief executive of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, said: "We are very appreciative that any possible withdrawal of support is no longer there.

"I had numerous letters and emails from business people expressing their concern and the council's support is very welcome."

Mr Williams said although all the towns and villages did a lot of work behind the scenes, the overall organisation and management was done by district council staff.

Mr Williams said: "We recognise that the scale of the event has an impact on council resources and we will be discussing how we might be able to spread the load in future."

Planning for the 2005 show has already begun with the event due to be formally launched in the spring.

The ninth West Wilts Show will be held in Trowbridge Park on July 28 to 30, 2005, although the venue for future shows is under discussion.

Cllr Payne said: "We would like to settle a venue for 2007. It may be that Trowbridge is best, but it is a show for west Wiltshire and there may be some criticism received across the district, especially from the other four towns.