Monday, July 14: Carnival under threat due to yobs

THIS autumn's town carnival could be the last ever - after entrants threatened to pull out following yobbish behaviour last year.Carnival clubs have made the threat after hooligans threw stones and mud at the floats as they travelled down Exeter Road.So, in a bid to assure entrants safety, organisers are appealing for members of the public to police October's event.Coordinator of the carnival Rob Waller said the carnival is one 'of the best around', but added: "It was, however, marred by mindless idiots throwing stones and mud at some floats."We are now wondering if it is worth putting on the event. The short answer is that this could very well be the last carnival in Exmouth. "We can not run things if floats pull out and some are already saying unless we can assure them of their safety they will not come." This year he is appealing for local people to act as judge escorts who will walk with the judges and be in charge of the trophies and prize cards.To rub salt into the wound, the carnival is also under financial pressure."We have built up from nothing to a great family night; of course we would like to remind people that we need their money."It costs around £6,600 to put the whole thing together. We average about 40,000 spectators but we get collections of about £3,500, not a very good return."It looks like we could lose our summer event which is how we raise the money; the Elizabeth Hall may not be available next year."I will trust the people of Exmouth to do the right thing and stop the idiots."He added that judge escorts will need to give their time up from 7pm to 9pm and be over the age of 16.He appealed to residents, saying: "We really do need your help this year more than ever. We should not let it die." l If you can help on Saturday, October 11, contact the news desk on (01395) 276153.