Carnival police charges to be scrapped

FAVERSHAM Carnival organisers need never again worry that policing for the event is going to cost them money. Kent Police Authority has decided not to charge community or charity events for their services. Cllr Tom Gates, a member of the authority, said today: "There was a meeting yesterday and it was decided we would do away with charging for community events. The national guidelines are that they were going to reduce it or get rid of it, but it was decided that whatever happens nationally, the police in Kent will not charge." Cllr Gates, a county councillor and a member of Faversham Town Council, said it was agreed to form a committee made up of four people – himself included – as well as Chief Constable Mike Fuller and other senior officers, to look at the policy and to re-write it. The authority's official stand on the subject is likely to take effect from January. This year's carnival followed a shortened route and had and no funfair or fireworks during the evening – although these were staged a week later by funfair owner Henry Forrest – because of worries over the possible cost of policing the event. But as Cllr Gates commented today: "The carnival was excellent this year. The standard was very high and I think the townspeople appreciated it."