'Save Mitcham Carnival Parade' campaign launched - can you help?

From Monday: 'Bring back our parade' - Calls for return of Mitcham Carnival's opening event

The parade was called off last year after police cut resources for the event and Merton Council chose not to pay for extra security.

It is unclear how much running the parade would cost, but Councillor Nick Draper, cabinet member for community and culture, said: "Associated costs of the parade when it was running were for officer and organising time.

"No payments were made to the police."

Organisers would also have to pay for a Road Traffic Order, which costs about £1,600.

Changes in Metropolitan Police procedures means event organisers would need to employ qualified security officers from a commmercial organisation if the parade was to ahead. 

Can you help? Contact Louisa on 020 8722 6335, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.

YOUR REACTION:

I have just heard the news about the death of Mitcham Carnival Parade. A Carnival IS a parade, can you imagine Notting Hill Carnival without the parade? It just would not exist.

I imagine that these days it is very difficult to arrange the cost of the transport, the insurance, and of course the good old health and safety.

All the good community things seem to be disappearing. How many years now since the demise of the Mitcham May Queen??

Sadly, I can offer no suggestions for resurrection, but do wish you every success in breathing new life into a long lived tradition. - Eileen Oldham

I have been a member of the Friends for many years and as a resident with a primary school age child.

I support the view that the Parade should be reinstated in some form and would add that it was a great part of the attraction for the children – both as onlookers and participants. - Cathy McCann

I think the parade is a very valuable part of the Carnival - drawing everyone's attention to what is going on and where it is.

It, however, requires a lot of advanced planning with local shops, schools, community groups in the area being asked to take part at least 6 months before the Carnival takes place to allow enough time for floats/cars/costumes to be decorated and created and to work out any marching routines, etc.

The band that performs for the Remembrance Day walk to the War Memorial would be brilliant to use (I unfortunately do not know their name but I am sure the Poppy Club would know).

In short the parade should be reinstated but with adequate planning resources and input from the Community to make sure it is a PARADE and not a soggy stroll, as was unfortunately the case the last time it took place in the rain - Clare Riddiford

I have been talking to people recently about the Carnival Parade. It seems to be felt that somehow the Carnival is just not the same without the Parade.

My granddaughters have walked in the Parade as they belong to The Blue Starz Cheerleaders. (just back from the parade in Euro Disney). I believe the problem is that the Police now have to charge for their services (ie road closures etc).

The Carnival Committee works out of the Mayors Office and their budget is very small - Barbara Mansfield

I also believe it should be reinstated. I remember many happy days walking beside floats supporting my own children. Once traditions are lost they are lost forever - Gale Keller

I for one would love to see the parade reinstated. As a Mitcham born and bred we used to love this parade and my children were also May Queen Fairies back in the day!

I think Mitcham has lost its way a bit along the way and this is a great opportunity of getting back some of the old Mitcham spirit - Dennise Coker - General Manager Mitcham Golf Club

I do agree but I would not want to see it done without police support although it does cost. There was a parade in West Barnes last year which I took part in and it was attacked by a gang - Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender

I support Sandra's views and would also like the Parade to be reinstated as it has always been an integral part of the Mitcham Carnival. - Melanie Nunzet