Rock star joins fight to rescue funfair

The rock star – known as "Sav" to the band's fans – and his wife, Paige, are trying to secure the future of Pullin's fair in Endcliffe Park.

The Pullin family have hosted amusements in South Yorkshire for seven generations. Having brought a fair to Sheffield every summer for most of the 20th century the family finally settled in the city in the 1970s, running fairs in Millhouses, Graves Park and Endcliffe.

But they have lost the tender to run fairs in Graves Park and Millhouses Park over the past two years – and now the licence for Endliffe is up for renewal.

Showman Jon Pullin, 40, is concerned Sheffield City Council will remove the licence, which is the family's last tender to run fairs. He has asked for a public consultation before a decision is made.

Savage, 49, who was born in Sheffield and regularly visits Endliffe Park with his sons Tyler, 10, and Scott, eight, is leading a campaign by parents.

"My kids call it 'Jon's Park' – they love the guy. For me the welfare and happiness of my children is the most important thing, and he really looks after them and gives them a great time. He is not just someone who just takes the 1.50 and gets on with it – he talks to the kids, helps them and knows their names."

Mr Pullin wants the council to give him a five-year licence to allow investment in the site. A petition to save the fair has received over 500 signatures.

David Cooper, of Sheffield City Council's parks department, said he was legally bound to examine various options for site. "Endcliffe Park is a charitably-gifted site and a fantastic asset for the city to have," he added.