Old Town Carnival committee chairman resigns

Chairman Ken Taylor and treasurer Susan Smith walked away from the association at its annual general meeting on Sunday.

They both cited family commitments but for Mr Taylor a major frustration was his inability to convince the association to back his plans to expand the carnival.

At last year's AGM he said he wanted to start the carnival in Alexandra Park with events going on through the day.

But entrenched members refused to back him, saying the Old Town Carnival was for the Old Town only.

Mr Taylor said: "I didn't have support for what I wanted to do which was to start the carnival in the park and take it on further.

"I was frustrated by the lack of support."

Mr Taylor was praised for the good carnival in August this year after a dismal procession in 2003.

He is succeeded by his deputy, Ian Lyle, who was chairman in 2003.

His deputy is John Muggridge.

Ms Smith's position has not been filled as yet, although Mr Lyle is hopeful that someone may come forward by the committee's January meeting.

Mr Lyle said: "It is a blow to lose them. People come and go but we move on."

The carnival itself will remain on a Saturday afternoon, after being changed from a Friday evening this year.

Many people felt the new start date was more family-friendly and better for encouraging entrants.

The carnival will take place on August 20 so that it does not take place on the same day as Eastbourne's Airbourne display.

The emergency services said two huge events on the same day could put too much pressure on them.

The new chairman said the meeting discussed a new, slightly more adventurous route going along the seafront to the Queens Hotel, turning up Harold Place and then right at the Odeon cinema before returning back to the Old Town.

This would have to be agreed with the police and the council before getting the nod.

richard.purnell

@trbeckett.co.uk