A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of Bridport Carnival and the Torchlight Procession after one it its directors resigned on Monday night.

At a special meeting convened by the carnival committee one of the five directors resigned and carnival chairman Shaun Fox said the carnival was in jeopardy.

He said: “Due to an ongoing incident from Bridport Carnival 2016, this year’s Carnival 2017 maybe in jeopardy due to safety reasons.

“No further details are available while the incident is still under going investigation through the proper channels.

“At this moment in time one Director of Bridport Carnival has resigned, others may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.”

Mr Fox added: “All I can say is it is being investigated through the proper channels - that is the police.

“Not only will it effect the carnival procession itself it will effect the Torchlight Procession as well.”

Dorset Police issued their own statement: “Dorset Police investigated an incident in relation to a road traffic order during Bridport Carnival 2016 that involved the occupants of a vehicle and carnival stewards.

“The incident, in which stewards prevented access of a vehicle, was fully looked into and the conduct of all parties involved was thoroughly considered. As a result a decision was made that no further action would be taken.”

Deputy Mayor Anne Rickard said: “We would be very sorry if it didn’t happen but I can’t say any more than that until I’ve spoken to Shaun.”

Bridport Town Council town clerk Bob Gillis said the possibility of not having a carnival was of ‘real concern’ to the council.

He said: “The carnival is one of the key events of the year in Bridport, greatly enjoyed by visitors and local residents alike.

“Any possibility that it might not happen this year is a real concern and the Town Council would very much hope that this matter can be resolved as quickly as possible.”

Community leader Arthur Woodgate said it would be a real loss to the town.

He said: “The demise of such a successful and vibrant tradition such as the carnival will leave an empty void in the Bridport events calendar.

“There will be immense disappointment locally, and this will be shared by our visiting friends from Japan. When more than 30 of them last took part, dressed in traditional costume and high fiving it with everyone in sight, they loved every minute of it – they in turn were loved by the crowds. It’s sad to think that such shared happiness in such a setting may never be seen on the streets of Bridport again.”

Gill Crump from the fancy dress shop Instant Redress said it would be a ‘crying shame’ to see the end of the carnival.

She said:“If anything I think it would be nicer to have more things like this - like lantern parades and some places even do a hallowe’en one.“They do put an awful lot of effort into it. I don’t know anything about the incident they are referring to. “When you look round it is always people with families involved and it would be a crying shame if it does go. erhaps we should get more of our local children groups doing something - it is really for themIt should be on a bucket list, something you do at least once in your life.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

POLICE were called to three separate incidents at the 2016 event causing the start of the parade to be delayed.

Officers were first called to a report of an assault in South Street at just after 6pm.

Police said they were also called to reports of a ‘slight injury road traffic collision’ in West Street, shortly before the procession was due to start at 8pm.

Eyewitnesses claimed that a female steward was an alleged victim of an assault and police confirmed they were investigating reports that a woman member of ‘event security’ had sustained injuries.

A police spokesman said at the time: “The alleged incident was to do with the marshal stopping traffic and inquiries are continuing.”

Following a separate third incident, a man has been charged with possession of a controlled drug and was due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

Bridport Carnival was resurrected in 1971 after a previous carnival event in 1911 was abandoned in 1920. 

A carnival has been held every year since.