Concerns have been raised that some new events at this summer's Families Day in Borehamwood may have to be paid for.

Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council usually subsidise Families Day, part of the town's annual festival in July, ensuring activities such as go-karting and circus skills workshops are free.But additional attractions are due to be introduced at this year's event, held on July 5, including an inflatable toboggan run and synthetic ice skating rink, and the council is considering asking festival-goers to pay for some activities. Town and borough Councillor Ernie Butler said many people in his ward would not even be able to pay a small fee and would miss out. He said: "It would be a disgrace to start charging for events because, if you have a big family, it will really add up."He was also concerned that if forced to pay for rides, people would not donate to charity stalls. But council leader Morris Bright said it was only a suggestion at this stage to help pay for some new rides.He said: "It is up to us to provide as much free entertainment as possible and that is what we will do."Council entertainments officer Paul Welsh said there would need to be a ticketing system to ensure everyone would benefit from the rides.A decision on whether to charge for some rides is due at a meeting on April 24.