Carnival clubs seek MP's help on travel ban

By [nbrown]

CARNIVAL club representatives in North Dorset meet MP Bob Walter tomorrow to discuss the ban by Dorset Police on moving floats after dark in the county.

Avon and Somerset police said last week there would be no change in policy, and float operators were highly praised for their safety record at a meeting between operators, police and highway representatives. But the Dorset force is continuing to insist on the ban, and more than 700 signatures have now been added to a Downing Street petition.

Lee Upshall, spokesman for Just George Carnival Club in Sturminster Newton, said: "No-one understands Dorset Police's draconian policy which will only increase traffic congestion, and therefore create a situation where accidents will occur due to drivers attempting to overtake in dangerous situations.

"It does not only affect carnivals in Dorset but also those in surrounding areas, and will make the building of floats uneconomical for Magnum CC in Blandford, Revellers CC in Shaftesbury, Hot Rock CC in Gillingham and Kipling CC in Shaftesbury, as well as us."

"It is a crazy situation that floats can travel at any time of day or night in Somerset, but run the risk of being stranded at the county border."

Sue Stockman, secretary of Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival Society, said Supt Andrew Pullan told the meeting in Somerset that police recognised that the abnormal load in the fatal accident which prompted the Dorset policy was of such a size and weight that it could not be equated with a carnival float.

"He felt that Dorset Police were taking draconian measures against carnival floats, which in Somerset are a huge stimulus to the local economy, benefit to local charities, and part of our unique heritage in the West Country."