Organisers of the iconic Bridport Carnival are ‘hopeful’ the traditional torchlight procession will be permitted to go ahead, despite previously being told officials were no longer prepared to close the key road it crosses.

Following the 2019 event the Bridport Carnival Committee was informed by National Highways, formerly Highways England, that they were not prepared to close the A35 at the Crown Roundabout for the half an hour it takes the procession - a key element of the carnival - to cross the road at future events.

As reported, a campaign was launched when it emerged in the summer the procession could be in doubt - a petition attracted 1,000 signatures within days.

However, it has now been revealed that National Highways will be engaging in talks in January with the organisers on how the event can go ahead - with the committee ‘hopeful’ that an outcome will be agreed allowing the procession to take place.

The procession from Bucky Doo Square to West Bay has been the traditional finale to Bridport Carnival week since 1971.

“It feels good going forward and it’s good to have the MP behind it and the town council, who have always supported us. So I’m hopeful,” said Bridport Carnival Committee chairman Graham Davies.

He added: “It has a big impact on the rest of the town. We need the torchlight procession for the carnival, it draws in roughly 4,000 people and we sell around 1,500 torches.”

The procession is vital to the carnival as that is where the majority of funding comes from and it has a knock-on impact on Bridport, added Mr Davies.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder also recognises the importance the event has on the town and says it would be a ‘disaster’ should it not take place.

He said: “I have made crystal clear to National Highways that the prevention of the torchlight procession over the refusal to find a solution would be a disaster for the town and the heritage of our community.

“I am hopeful, that following a subsequent discussion in the new year, that we can make substantial progress towards finding a solution that will ensure it can continue.”

Discussions, which Mr Davies says ‘definitely’ need to be held, are due to take place in the new year to establish how the procession can take place next summer.

Ben Hampson, route manager for National Highways, told the News: “We understand the importance of Bridport’s traditional torchlight procession and we will be facilitating conversations with the event organisers and Dorset Council in the new year on how next year’s event can safely and conveniently take place.”