Appeal for roads to close during Blackberry Carnival

POLICE in Axbridge are appealing for The Square to be closed down when the fair comes to town to prevent any accidents.

Speaking at Axbridge Town Council meeting on Monday, police community support officer Julia Lewis said she had just managed to stop a toddler from being run over after he walked into the road from behind a parked car at the Blackberry Carnival Carnival on September 22.

PCSO Lewis said many people already think the road is closed during the festivities and they often forget about traffic as they are too busy enjoying themselves.

She said: "You have people drinking and children running across The Square when cars are still driving through.

"People aren't aware the roads are open and at one point I had 14 cars trying to get through Axbridge at one time because they were held up by a group of people in the road.

"It's dangerous and I think it's time we started closing off The Square for the whole of the day."

Residents have been appealing for the road to be closed during Axbridge's Blackberry Carnival and funfair for years.

The Square is closed off from 1.30-3pm when the procession takes place, but it is open into the evening when thousands of revellers pack in the centre to enjoy the fair and browse the stalls.

Axbridge Town Council said the matter would be mentioned to the carnival committee and the Town Trust to see if something can be done.