By SUZANNE ELSWORTH

BIRCHWOOD will be without a carnival this summer because of the chaos caused by last year's rains.

The annual bonfire and firework display on November 5 was postponed when the Forest Park site was swamped by torrential downpours. It eventually took place in March, but bills still had to be paid and because the autumn event funds the summer carnival, not enough cash is available.

"It's a real shame," said committee spokesman and Forest Park ranger Gaynor Kerry. "Because of the cancellation we were virtually bankrupt. People still had to be paid."

And as well as the financial constraints, the logistics of planning two massive events in quick succession have proved too much to cope with.

Despite numerous appeals, no-one has offered to help organise the events other than a dedicated committee of just five people, two of whom are the park's rangers.

Normally the preparations begin for the carnival in January, but the added pressure of the delayed bonfire means that the tiny team don't have enough time to arrange things.

All being well, this year's November bonfire will go ahead, though there are concerns about safety issues due to the wetness of the field. The fire is lit on land between two grass bankings which form an amphitheatre-like setting, but these are still saturated.

Plans are under way to put in special drainage, which it is estimated will cost around £4,000.

"We are hoping this could save the future of the event," said Gaynor, "because we need everything to go safely. The banks are still very wet and we don't know what's going to happen with the weather, so in November it could be worse.

"We have started putting out feelers for funding and we will be having discussions with the council about going ahead with the work."

If you could help fund the drainage work, or would like to join the committee and help organise the events, please call the rangers on 824239.