Recession halts the West Mid Show

The West Midlands Agricultural Society, organisers of the 125-year-old West Mid Show, has gone into liquidation.

A spokesman said the Shropshire-based society was a victim of the recession and that nothing more could have been done to save the show.

Neale Sadler said the show's demise followed that of the Royal Show earlier this year.

The show's organisers announced earlier this year that it was having financial difficulties.

Staff made redundant

It had received a lot of support from local businesses but it had not been enough, the spokesman said.

Commercial director Gary Tudor said it was a very sad day.

"We, unfortunately, are victims of the current recession.

"I have now been made redundant with immediate effect as have the other staff," he said.

A bonfire, due to be held on Saturday at the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury, has also been cancelled.