A MEETING is to be held to discuss the potential for keeping the Merrick Rally in Newton Stewart.
It was decided by Cree Valley Community Council on Monday night to invite the rally's organisers to talks to see how the people of Newton Stewart can be encouraged to support the one-day event held every September.
The stage, part of the Scotti
sh Rally, has come under fire in the last year after its Victoria Street start in 2008 was reported to have upset traders.
But two separate surveys carried out in its aftermath returned different results, with some traders and hoteliers claiming a boom in business.
There is a danger of losing the rally to Ayr if it doesn't gain full public support but many feel it would be a huge loss to the town and that a few objectors have ruined the event for hundreds of others who turn out to watch the cars begin the stages.
Now Cree Valley's Bob Boan is to arrange for Allan Marshall, the Merrick's organiser, to come to a meeting and discuss the issues.
He said: "It would be a huge loss to the town if this goes away. There's a similar event on Tobermory where it brings in over £1 million.
"Newton Stewart is the same size and could bring in the same."
There have been discussions with regards to holding the event in Wigtown, in the footsteps of the old Baldoon Rally.
Mr Marshall will be invited to the council's December meeting.
