EASTBOURNE Airshow bosses are fighting to reduce a planned hike in regulatory fees following the Shoreham disaster.

They claim the fees increase planned by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to meet tougher safety requirements would have a "significant financial impact" on the annual Airbourne event.

On Wednesday the CAA announced plans to double fees for flying displays, display authorisations for pilots and low flying permissions, among other measures.

It wants the money to help pay for tougher regulation, such as wider risk assessments, after eleven men were killed by a Hawker Hunter at the Shoreham Airshow on August 22 last year.

Phil Evans, senior head of tourism at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "We were recently made aware of the proposed CAA increases in charges to Airshow Event Organisers and as we run a four-day show, there would be a significant financial impact on our annual Airbourne event.

"We are members of the British Air Display Association (BADA) and we are jointly negotiating with them and the CAA to reconsider the new charges."

He added they could not comment further during ongoing negotiations but were planning an "another excellent event" this year.

The CAA has said its new fees due to come into force in April amount to a "significant increase" but are "reflective of the time and effort already dedicated" to regulation.

A spokesman added historically airshows have been subsidised by other aviation industry charge payers and ultimately their passengers.

"We are not funded by the tax-payer and are required by law to recover our costs from the aviation industry," he added.

The CAA estimates the plans could mean an increase of a few pence per ticket for some small air display events and less than 20 pence for one of the largest, based on the most recent attendance figures.

Its research shows the current cost of entry to these shows for the general public can be around £20 to £50 per day.

The stricter safety regulations driving up the costs include consideration of whether roads and railway lines should be closed.

Pilots will have to declare the aerobatic manoeuvres they are planning ahead of be medically assessed.

Representatives of Goodwood airshow had yet to respond to a request for comment at the time of writing.