THE CARNIVAL could be over for some Fylde galas. And it's no fun for organisers who fear the financial implications of police public safety rules which require barriers to be installed on each road alongside parade routes.

They're also concerned that if new sites aren't found, traditional fairgrounds may become fond memories of bygone days.

Lytham Club Day officials feel that the rules due to be enforced next year could mean the beginning of the end of their day -- the oldest and biggest event on the Fylde Coast.

"We're grateful that the police have relaxed the rules for this year's event," said procession marshall Bob Ratcliffe.

"But next year, we'll need extra money to hire barriers. This will have to come from collections and raffle tickets sold on the day. We hope people who turn out for Club Day will bear this in mind and give us their support. It's the only way Club Day can continue."

This year's Lytham Club Day is on June 22 and anyone who can help with marshalling is asked to phone Bob on 730630.

The traditional fairground is also in jeopardy. The Cubbins family, who run the fair, don't want the Park View Road site because of drainage problems. They applied to be re-sited on Lytham Green but Fylde Borough's former Tourism and Leisure Committee said no.

John Longstaff, who was chairman when the decision was made, said: "Lytham Green was considered inappropriate for a fairground site for a number of reasons," he said.

"These included potential loss of car parking areas taken up by heavy vehicles, the proximity of the fair to pubs and the fact that visitors to the fair would have to cross the busy A584 road."

Deputy director of Tourism and Leisure Simon Kularatne confirmed that the Park View Road site, which has been prone to waterlogging, is still available to Mr Cubbins.

The 100-year-old Bispham with Norbreck Gala is also in trouble as the committee say they have been given their marching orders. Although this year's event will go ahead on Saturday, July 20, gala organisers have been asked to get off the traditional site, council-owned Whiteholme Playing Field used for the gala queen crowning and home to the fair for 2003.

The council have plans to drain the field but Bispham with Norbreck Gala chairman Nick Hamilton says he's annoyed that they haven't kept the committee informed.

"We heard rumours about the field and had to go to the council for answers," he says.

According to John Blackledge, principal leisure services manager, the drainage problem is becoming progressively worse. "Health and safety is becoming an issue, particularly with regards to 1,000-plus junior footballers who play on the field."

Mr Blackledge said that a bid would be submitted to the Football Foundation for a contribution of £107,859 towards the £168,000 it will cost for the drainage work. Several local groups have already pledged additional funding.

"The gala organisers have been informed that if the council was successful, an alternative site would have to be explored for next year's gala and possibly the year after.

"However, the whole community would benefit from a field that was more accessible and usable throughout the year."

He gave his assurance that the leisure services dept would work closely with the gala committee in identifying potential sites.

Coun Peter Callow, Bispham with Norbreck Gala liaison officer, says it will be difficult to find another site in the area.

"It's a traditional summer event we want to keep going. Hundreds of children and local residents would be very disappointed if we didn't manage to find another site. It's not going to be easy. I hope this doesn't signal the death knell for the gala."