HIGHWAYS officials have responded following fears the Bridport Carnival torchlight procession may not go ahead.

The Bridport Carnival traditionally sees torch holders walk from Bridport Town Hall in Bucky Doo Square down to West Bay. This would require crossing the A35 next to the Crown Roundabout, which highways officials told the carnival committee they were no longer prepared to close.

A petition has been launched to 'save' the procession as organisers believe the carnival - due to be held next year after a two-year break - may not be viable without it.

Stephen Potts, Service Manager for National Highways, said: “For a number of years, our contractors have provided traffic management at Crown Roundabout to allow the procession to cross the A35. However, due to several factors including safety concerns and complaints from motorists wishing to use the A35, an alternative route was planned for discussion.

“Unfortunately due to Covid those conversations are yet to take place but we and our police partners welcome the opportunity to discuss an alternative route with organisers and the town council, one that does not involve the closure of the A35, so that next year’s procession can go ahead safely and conveniently.”

A petition was started on Sunday, August 22 with an aim of obtaining 1,000 signatures. It currently has more than 1,500 signatures.

The petition can be found at www.change.org/p/chris-loder-mp-save-bridport-torchlight