THIS year s Sandy Carnival could be the last. Organisers are disappointed by the lack of public interest and this week their chairman warned: If they don t use it, they will lose it. The carnival is due to take place on Saturday, June 17, and with less

THIS year's Sandy Carnival could be the last.

Organisers are disappointed by the lack of public interest and this week their chairman warned: "If they don't use it, they will lose it."

The carnival is due to take place on Saturday, June 17, and with less than a month to the event, just six floats have been entered against 17 last year. There are only 14 stalls in the main arena compared to 27 a year ago.

Now Sandy Carnival chairman Jane Shrieves is warning that if the public fail to get behind the carnival its future is in grave doubt.

"The committee has been working hard to make sure it is a success because the carnival has been going for donkey's years," said Mrs Shrieves.

"But this year we have been extremely disappointed at the public's response. There is just a mood of apathy around the town and with less than a month to go before the event it is not looking good.

"We are well down on the number of floats and also the stalls for the main arena which we have in Sandy Playschool's grounds.

"I just don't know what is wrong but there is a complete lack of interest this year. People must wake up because if they don't use it they will lose it which will be a great shame.

"The carnival committee is made up of volunteers who are putting in a lot of time and effort trying to make the carnival a success so it is very disappointing when we face the public apathy in the town."

This Sunday sees the competition to choose a Sandy Carnival Prince and Princess when entrants will be judged at Robert Peel Lower School from 2.15pm. The competition is sponsored by the local Budgen food store.

If anyone would like to support the carnival either with a float in the grand parade or a stall in the main arena they should contact Mrs Shrieves on 01767 682247.