Around five families parked up with their caravans and trailers in fields near the Farm House Inn with the landowner’s permission earlier this week, after being unable to stay in the People’s Park when they first arrived in Jersey.
Local parishioners were unhappy with the temporary camp and Constable Chris Taylor said it was not acceptable.
However, James Cole, who is in charge of the operation and has been coming to Jersey with the fair on and off since he was 14, said they were doing nothing wrong and got on with everyone in the area.
He said the five families were part of the 60-strong group who are running the funfair.
He said: ‘It was just that after the street festival in St Helier people couldn’t stay at People’s Park, so we knew someone up there who gave permission for families to go on the field for a short time,’ said the 46-year-old.
‘They were a few friends, and it was fine and there were no complaints and we had permission to do it.
‘People have their opinion of us, but there were no issues and we used the pub up there and it was fine.’
The firm also provide entertainment at events in Gorey and elsewhere, and he said the people who came over to work on the funfair provided a real benefit to the Island.
He added: ‘We have between 60 and 70 working here, and there is that benefit that it brings to the economy.
‘We have Gorey, then the Portuguese Festival and after that we have the Weekender.
‘There isn’t a lot for family fun in Jersey – Tamba Park is closed – so the fair brings family fun.’
Mr Taylor said: ‘There was a breach of the laws but the people who were on the grounds are innocent in this.
‘They did as they were instructed, and the issue is partly with the landowner and partly with their hosts, whoever that may be.
‘It is too early for me to say anything but inquiries are ongoing.’
The funfair in the People’s Park has a number of new rides this year and begins on Friday.
