UNDER-fire tourism bosses have acted quickly to scotch rumours that the free children's entertainment provided in Bournemouth Gardens every summer could be scrapped.

Children's entertainer Mr Merlin, whose real name is Wyn Jones, said he had been told Bournemouth council had "no plans" to stage the programme of free shows, games and activities this year.

The possibility of the children's entertainment falling victim to council cutbacks sparked a social media storm yesterday, with dozens of residents and visitors sharing Wyn's Facebook post and saying how much they valued the free family fun.

But Bournemouth council told the Daily Echo it was committed to continuing the entertainment and would be finalising plans shortly. However, they confirmed the popular Family Festival in Meyrick Park would not be going ahead this year.

Clara Dorrington, a PR and communications co-ordinator at Bournemouth Tourism, told the Echo Mr Merlin had been "misinformed".

She said they were still in the process of finalising plans and would announce details of "exactly what families can expect" in a couple of weeks.

Wyn said: "I had been told they probably wouldn't be going ahead with the entertainment, so it seemed that if we could show there was support for it, they might be persuaded to change their minds.

"You get such a brilliant atmosphere in the Gardens and you get a great mix of locals and visitors, and people of all ages. How many other events can say that?

"There is demand for this, a huge demand for this. It's one of those things that in the grand scheme of things doesn't cost a lot but brings a lot of value to the town."

He said he was not concerned whether he was booked for the event personally but said: "As a father I take my children down there and we love it. This is not about losing a job, it's about losing a wonderful event in fabulous surroundings."