THE plug has been pulled on the 11th Unsworth and Hillock Carnival a week before it was due to take place.

Organiser Mrs Sheila Priestly decided to cancel after it became apparent last year's venue, Elms Bank Playing Fields, would not be available for this Sunday's event.

She said lease owners, Stand Athletic Football Club, had recently re-seeded the pitches for the new football season and were not aware until the last minute the event was still going ahead.

She said: "We just got our wires crossed and there was no way at short notice I could change it.

"I don't blame the club but I thought everything was OK."

Mr John Barrington from Stand Athletic confirmed an initial enquiry was made six months ago about using the playing fields but added Mrs Priestly had not been back in touch until Monday.

Stressing the club is always willing to help local organisations, he said: "Last year we threw open our doors. The carnival was very well attended and it was nice to have it in the town centre again.

" We wanted to help this year but it was too short notice and we doubted the necessary arrangements had been put in place by organisers for toilet facilities and cleaning up after the event."

Mrs Priestly, the sole organiser, added: "I tried to carry it on but it just got a bit too much. I was struggling to do it all on my own."

Her main concern is for the Carnival Queen who will miss her big day and and a crowning ceremony may still be held.

As for next year she said: "Hopefully I can get a few more involved and we can sort it all out properly."

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