THE future of the annual Gravesend Summer Regatta has been dealt a damaging stroke.

The hugely popular event, organised by the Gravesend Regatta Committee, has taken place for the last 30 years.

But its financial ballast from the council has been removed - leaving organisers trying to find other backers to keep it bouyant.

Mike Fitzsimons, life vice-president of the committee, said: “We had to put it on ourselves this year and will do in the future. The event costs about £12,500 to put on, money that the council used to provide – this year local businesses generously helped out but it’s going to be difficult to do that every year.”

He added that despite removing their financial support the council had provided free barriers, and two people to help clear up.

Cllr David Turner, deputy leader of the council and community portfolio holder, confirmed it would no longer be funding the event.

He said: “There are three annual regattas in Gravesend every year, and each costs the council more than £10,000.

“They are nice, and historic, but does the local ratepayer want to keep paying?”