Replace The Deck with Carters Steam Fair – that’s one man’s suggestion to Bracknell Forest Council.

Bracknell News reader John Russel of Shepherds Hill wrote in with his suggestion, following news that plans to build The Deck in Bracknell town centre had been scrapped, while Carters Steam Fair is to be sold.

But Bracknell Forest Council has said it can’t afford to buy a steam fair and explained that the council doesn’t own the land where The Deck was to be built.

Mr Russel said: “In the October 4th edition, it was reported that development of The Deck had been shelved. Another report announced the impending closure of the Carters Steam Fair.

“I wonder whether a council purchase of some or all of this fair would be a better use of The Deck space.

“The cost must surely be less than any official planning for a new building on the site and it would provide a family entertainment facility in the heart of the town – something that is sadly lacking at the moment.”

READ MORE: What happened to the millions council promised for The Deck?

But councillor Paul Bidwell – responsible for regeneration in Bracknell – said the council “isn’t in the financial position” to buy the fair.

He added that the vacant land – in between The Bull pub and Princess Square – belongs to Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, a private landowner.

Councillor Bidwell said: “The council focuses its resources on core services for residents and isn’t in the financial position to purchase a steam fair. Additionally, it could not promise to provide space for an activity on land it does not own.”

Carters Steam Fair – which has toured in Berkshire since it was founded in 1977 – announced on September 27 that it has begun the final sale of its vintage fairground rides. Owner Joby Carter said the “crazy” travelling involved in touring was unsustainable.

READ MORE: Residents call Carters Steam Fair final sale 'such a shame'

Then on October 2, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership announced it had dropped plans to build The Deck in Bracknell town centre. It was to be an open space housing bars, restaurants and shops – but the area has stood vacant since 2021.

Councillor Bidwell said the council is working with the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership to find temporary uses for the land while the landowner figured out a permanent solution.

He said: “We are working with the landowner and developer to see what might be able to go on the site in the interim while long-term plans are reimagined and we will pass on residents’ suggestions.

“It is still very early days in the planning for both the interim activities and the longer-term plans; we will bring residents updates as soon as practically possible.”