HOPES of rejuvenating Highbridge and Burnham Carnival by moving it to Friday night have been dashed.

Organisers wanted the event to be the first parade on the Somerset circuit, which is being re-ordered from next year, to boost the profile of the two towns and hand the local economy a major boost.

But they scrapped the plans after the emergency services raised concerns about potential traffic problems and increased crime and disorder.

The carnival will now be held on November 12 next year after committee members opted for the Monday night slot after Bridgwater, Weston and North Petherton.

Jamie Hawke, chief marshal, said: “We are disappointed it can't be on the Friday but we do our best for carnival year in year out and will continue to make it as good as it can be.”

Adrian Gridley, event planning officer for Avon and Somerset Police, said police, firefighters, ambulance crews and the highways authority were worried about traffic chaos on the A38 into Highbridge on carnival day if the M5 was closed for any reason.

He added that moving the event to Friday could coincide with more pubs and clubs being open and in turn lead to a rise in crime and disorder, but insisted this was a general observation and was not specifically directed at Highbridge and Burnham.

“We support the carnival 100% and consider it an important community event, which is why we don't charge for police services”, Mr Gridley added.

Highbridge and Burnham Carnival organisers are appealing for new committee members and helpers on the night - call Jamie on 07812-095706 or 01278-781279 or pop into P J Harris in Cross Street, Burnham.