Local people in Midsomer Norton have expressed dismay at B&NES Council blocking funds to adjust a traffic island and pavement which would have allowed a new route for Midsomer Norton Carnival in November 2014. Despite the decision last week, made during the Budget Meeting, B&NES Lib-Dems have said they will try to help make the route change a reality. The news comes as the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association, with the help of Huckyduck CC, local police and Chilcompton business, AJ Champion, tested the proposed new route early last Sunday morning.
The route was tested using a larger float and a six-tonne generator trailer, the average weight of most, to see if the route was possible and what problems may need to be overcome. Setting off at 7.30 a.m. in wet and windy conditions, the Carnival Association are reporting that no difficulties were experienced at Norton Hill School with the steep corner in to Silver Street as previously anticipated. A ten-minute delay was experienced at the bottom of the High Street, outside the Town Hall, which would see floats access the High Street from the wrong direction and travelling up towards Stones Cross. Getting the generator through was the trickiest part, reports being that it was short of clearing by about a foot. Moving up through the High Street, the turn to the right on to Radstock Road was also negotiated without difficulty.
At Wells Hill, in Radstock, a test hill start took place, which, in wet conditions, was successful, with the cart then travelling on through Westfield and to the White Post area, where the procession would disperse.
Last Tuesday, Cllr Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, approached the B&NES Budget Meeting for £45,000 to be allocated for road improvements to allow ease of access for carnival floats through the town. He said that he was frustrated by a lack of action on the subject, despite raising the issue with B&NES Highways over a year ago. This request was not well received as part of other labelled 'last-minute Conservative amendments' and was voted against by local Labour Councillors and the ruling Lib-Dems, despite assurances from Cllr David Bellotti, Cabinet Member for Community Resources, saying the change of carnival route is, "A wonderful idea and if we can help, we will." (More on Page 19 regarding the budget and local proposals). The lack of money for these necessary works comes as a blow to those who have been enthusiastic about the idea – but they are not giving up.
Speaking this week about the decision, Cllr Paul Myers said: "Whatever the ins and outs of B&NES Council politics, we've been pushing for over a year to adjust the traffic light island outside the Town Hall, as well as the pavement at the top of the High Street, in order to try and bring back a world-class carnival event, not just to Midsomer Norton, but Westfield and Radstock as well."
Councillor Chris Watt (Cons., Midsomer Norton Redfield), who seconded the motion, added: "The Lib-Dems in Bath can perhaps be excused for not understanding the magic of bringing the full carnival back to Midsomer Norton. However, I find it incredible that local Labour politicians are prepared to cut off their noses to spite a genuine attempt to do the right thing for local people here in the Somer Valley. This is pointless, political game-playing at its worst and those who lose out are the ordinary folk of Midsomer Norton.
"Nevertheless, the ultimate objective remains the same and I genuinely welcome Paul Crossley and David Belotti's words at the Council meeting to the effect that they will try and help. Let's hope B&NES can cut through the politics and get this sorted, rather than us having to start raising petitions to get them to look at this."
It is hoped that Westfield, Radstock and Midsomer Norton, completely separate since the Community Governance Review split, will be able to work together alongside the Carnival Association to help these plans come to fruition. Councillor Robin Moss (Labour, Westfield), this week said that: "Bringing a resolution at the last minute without notice to the budget meeting was not helpful. I understand that B&NES Council is happy to help and will look at what needs to be done with the route. As far as I can see, there is good co-operation between Westfield, Radstock and Midsomer Norton and if we can get the larger floats to the area then that is great, as long as the route actually travels through Westfield."
Chair of Radstock Town Council, Lesley Mansell, expressed her concerns over the impending regeneration roadworks in Radstock and how that might affect the route. She said: "Radstock Town Council would be delighted to see the carnival travel through the town as part of its official route. Carnival has an amazing history in Somerset and is always a wonderful spectacle.
"The new road is due to be started shortly in Radstock and I am not sure what the timescale is for that. Whether it will be finished in time for the carnival season this year, I don't know."
The idea to change the route was first debated publically last April, with 2013's carnival due to be the last to run on a Thursday evening, moving to a new slot on Mondays, with Bridgwater carnival moving to Saturday nights. It is hoped Monday's fixture could tempt back the larger carts and one day, see a much larger event.
With the prospect of carnival returning in the town, it is timely that the history of this iconic event will be the subject of this month's Midsomer Norton Society talk at the Town Hall, at 7.30 p.m. this Thursday, 27th February.
The first Midsomer Norton Carnival took place on 12th November, 1948. By 1960, the event had collapsed, but was revived in 1975, although it had lost its slot in the main circuit. It moved to Westfield in the 1990s, after pavement widening in Midsomer Norton.
The evening will draw on a wealth of material provided by local residents, following an appeal in the local press. Non-members welcome.