The society behind Shropshire’s West Mid Show is facing a cash crisis with at least £50,000 needed to help it battle through the recession and the slow winter months.

But officials at the Shropshire & West Midlands Agricultural Society vowed the two-day show is not under threat and will continue despite the problems.

And they today issued a rallying call to businesses and residents across the county to come forward and pledge their support to help the society through the black patch.

A business board has been appointed to help drum up support and raise cash to secure the society’s future and people are being urged to hire the facilities at the society’s showground in Shrewsbury all-year round.

David Tudor, a trustee for the society, said: “Shropshire & West Midlands Agricultural Society is asking the business community to give its backing to the society, after what has been in many ways a very successful year, both for the show and for events on the showground, with records broken for both, despite the recession.

“The West Mid Show and the showground both represent a great asset to town and county, with enormous potential for the future.

“But in line with many other commercial and charitable organisations, it is experiencing difficulties with cash flow during the winter months, when traditionally its income is low.”

Mr Tudor said a cash flow of £50,000 was needed but up to £20,000 extra would be needed as a contingency fund. He said money also needed to be available in case of flooding at the showground during the winter, and deposits needed to be paid for next year’s show.

l Hire – See Page 22