ABERGAVENNY Chamber of Trade is to approach the town's council for support for a 'match funding deal' to provide street entertainment during this weekend's festival of cycling.

Following an approach by the festival organiser Bill Owen, chamber of trade members agreed to provide £500 towards the £1,000 cost of providing entertainment for the periods when cyclists are using the routes away from the town centre.

Mr Owen explained to members that the festival would 'inevitably' cause major upheaval to the town but said it would also be the biggest cycling event in the UK this year.

"We've tried to minimise the disruption to businesses but there will be some and we feel that some street entertainment during the quiet periods may help," said Mr Owen.

Chamber member Fiona Beavan, who is also a member of the Y Fenni events committee said the festival had approach the committee for help and it had been agreed that it would provide some entertainers.

"The worse thing that could happen is that we have deathly silence through the town when the cyclists aren't around because that would be bad for trade and we want to keep visitors in the town centre," said Ms Beavan.

"I have contacted Dale Roberts and asked if the council has any money available to help but I don't know whether any will be available," she added.

Former chamber of trade president Andy Hinksman said that although the chamber treasurer Steve Theaker confirmed that the group's finances were looking healthy, efforts should be made to 'shame' the town council into providing more help for the cycling festival.

"I suggest we offer £500 for a starter and ask for match funding from the council, but if push comes to shove we will give the full amount," he said.

Trader Trina Acari added that if chamber funding could not be found to cover the remaining amount, individual traders could make up the shortfall personally.

"Let's just say the money will be found," said chamber president Susi Cernoch.

"We'll pledge £500 and if the council won't help we'll find the rest of the money one way or another," she said.