FURY has erupted after the big top created a big bill when the Moscow State Circus left The Rye in a terrible mess.

Residents have been deluging the Free Press with phone calls to say they are appalled at the state the green space, in London Road, High Wycombe, has been left in.

Pensioner Roy Parker, of Rutland Avenue, in Booker, said he had lived in the town for 67 years and had never seen anything like it.

He said: "It is in an absolutely disgraceful state. I hope it's not the tax payers that are going to have to fork out for the bill. It is totally churned up. It will take a phenomenal amount of money to clean that up. I don't know how the council could allow them on there in the first place."

The circus had to get permission from Wycombe District Council which has now had to cancel another fair which was due to visit The Rye on April 7. But the council says that the fairs give residents, who might otherwise not have the opportunity, the chance to enjoy such events.

Fiona Chandler, spokesman for the district council, said: "A substantial income is generated by such events to offset the maintenance costs of the parks, and this also helps to reduce the community charge."

She added: "The prestigious Moscow State Circus was booked for High Wycombe last year. Unfortunately the exceptional weather, particularly on the Sunday when the circus was leaving, has led to the current, severe damage to the Rye.

"All efforts are being made to restore the park to its former condition, although it is anticipated this will take a considerable time.

"In addition to the licence fee for the circus, the damage deposit of £775 is being retained. Further discussions will take place with the circus organisers as is deemed necessary."

A spokesman for the circus simply said that the bad weather had caused the problems and rendered it difficult not to churn up the ground when they left.