AN aristocrat is offering to host Taunton Flower Show in his castle grounds as organisers search for a new venue following a fall-out with the council.

Sir Ben Slade says the 2018 event could take place in the grounds of Woodlands Castle, Ruishton, off Junction 25 of the M5.

Organisers say they are reluctantly leaving the town centre after owners Taunton Deane Borough Council slapped a five-figure fee on them for the use of Vivary Park, the show’s venue since 1851.

Sir Ben said: “I’ve got 12 acres, parking, an enormous steel tent and it’s a good setting for flowers.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity. We could easily double the number of visitors - maybe up to 20,000 or more.

READ MORE: Taunton Flower Show set to leave Vivary Park

“We do this sort of thing all the time, with weddings and events and we’re known all over the world.

“We’re 250 yards from the motorway, opposite the park and ride and if people stay at the Premier Inn they could walk here.

“We’d offer the venue for free, although running costs like electricity and repairs would have to be paid for and we’d want to do the catering and food.”

Adrian Prior-Sankey, chairman of the show’s directors, said several offers to stage next year’s event have been received.

He added: “It is the preferred wish of the organisers to keep the show in its historic home, Vivary Park, but not at a price that could lead to financial ruin.

“If the council wishes to return to the negotiating table, we will be pleased to hear fresh proposals for a partnership that sees the council sharing the risk we carry as a consequence of British weather in the summer.

“We have received offers of fresh sponsorship, conditional on the show staying put and at a lower charge than that currently proposed.”

READ MORE: Council says flower show charges would cover repairs and loss of access to Vivary Park

A council spokesman said the authority recognises the appeal of the show in Vivary Park, has offered organisers a 20 per cent charity discount and would only charge for days the park is used rather than the whole 15-day set up and take down booking.

He added: “The council has always remained open to discussion and is glad that the organisers would like to continue their long association with Vivary Park.

“It would, of course, welcome further discussions to find a solution that continues to deliver benefits to all.

“However it must be remembered that the charges are legitimately adopted council policy and apply to all hirers apart from Friends groups who carry out important voluntary work in our parks.”