A POPULAR carnival in the borough could be at risk.

Fair Oak carnival may not be held in 2019 after organisers received negative comments on social media regarding the parade.

Organised by the parish council since 2003, it takes place on the last Saturday of June and parades through the streets of Fair Oak.

But after the parade was held last summer, organisers said residents complained about it, with some taking to social media to voice their disappointment.

Resident Bill Unsworth left a comment on the parish council Facebook page and said: “ I commend the amount of work people put in but, what a poor procession this year, lots of disappointed parents, grandparents and children at the end of Spring Close, what happened, three minutes it was all over. Where are all the participants of years gone bye?”

The parish council is now inviting residents to have their say about the future of the popular event.

Linda Greenslade, deputy parish clerk, said: “We did get negative comments about the parade, that’s why we decided to ask residents. We are also short of volunteers to keep it going.

“We hope that more volunteers will come forward now. The response from the public has been very positive on Facebook so far but the message will be in the newsletter to reach a wider audience.”

Organiser have asked residents to voice their opinion and dozens asked them to keep it running.

Bishopstoke resident Carly Brooks said: “ Please Keep the carnival. Our children look forward to it every year and it’s a great way to get the community together.” So much has changed around the village, no bakery, no greengrocers, no bank, all the new houses going up, traffic etc. Please don’t take this away! Was so lovely seeing the community spirit.”

While a final decision on the future of the carnival has not been made yet, organisers confirmed that this year event will take place on June 30.