Monmouth Carnival in jeopardy (From Free Press Series)

Monmouth Carnival in jeopardy

THE ANNUAL Monmouth carnival could be in jeopardy if a solution for a lorry access cannot be found.

As part of the ancillary works for the new Monnow Bridge, the access road to the Chippenham Mead Village Green has been realigned and now carnival organisers believe that the fun fair and floats will not be able enter the field.

David Harris, acting chairman of Monmouth Carnival committee, said organisers are doubtful that it will be possible to swing a long trailer through the new gate and avoid the trees.

Monmouthshire county council says it is possible and they will do everything they can to ensure the carnival takes place.

Mr Harris said: "We as a committee are looking into this problem as well as the council. We are prepared to try and investigate solutions and work with the council to find the answer.

"Many other carnivals have disappeared through lack of enthusiasm and support. We are fighting to avoid this happening in Monmouth.

"We desperately want to grow the size of the procession, via floats and fancy dress entrants, and would like to rebuild interest in the Pub and Club section which has its own trophy and prizes."

Jenny Lewis Monmouthshire county council's Area Manager for Central Monmouth said: "The Council, through the One Stop Shop, will do everything it can to ensure that the Carnival goes ahead as usual, and we are really upset to hear through the Free Press, that the future of the Carnival is doubtful.

"We are aware that there is some concern that lorries will not be able to swing around onto the green at Chippenham Mead as they have been used to doing.

"Our engineering team worked hard to change the road layout in the area when the carnival committee first raised this problem, and we are confident that the layout as it is now will be fine.

"However, could we appeal to any community minded individual with a long wheel based curtain sided lorry, who has time to spare, to contact us at the One Stop Shop and perhaps we could borrow the vehicle to checkout the situation."

Mrs Lewis added: "The council will continue to support local events to the best of our ability. We are proud to be associated with some of the brilliant community events in and around Monmouth, and across Central Monmouthshire."