IT IS becoming increasingly likely that this year’s Wellington Carnival will be the last, writes Barry Knott.

Former carnival chairman Sharon Collins, who has stepped down along with the entire committee, said yesterday that this year’s collection is likely to be no more than £1,800, although the exact figure is not yet known.

This is £500 down on last year which was also down on the previous year. She said: “Admittedly we did not have good weather this year but collections are going down every year.

“We don’t have carnival clubs in Wellington while other towns do and they do better. No-one has come forward to fill the gaps left by myself and the committee.

“I am beginning to fear the worst at the moment. It is very sad. For it to go ahead next year it would have to have committed people.

“There is an awful lot of work involved for very little return. You have to ask yourself: is it worth it?”

n Sharron Collins, who lives in Ottery St Mary, stepped in to rescue the carnival in April, otherwise if would have folded.