Colchester's police chief has spoken out in support of the town's carnival - following claims that by withdrawing backing the force had placed it under threat.

Organisers said it could be axed this year because officers will not patrol the route. That would leave the committee responsible for possible accidents.

But Supt Julian Fields insisted yesterday he simply wanted the carnival committee to have a greater share of the responsibilty by employing stewards.

He said enough officers would be there to deal with any public order, safety and crime problems.

"We are reviewing our policy of policing community events particularly those which take place on the public highway."

Mr Fields said he could not see how the new policy would bring about the end of the carnival.

He said rather than having 60-70 officers along the route the organisers should employ stewards to do this.

This policy was also being supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers, said Mr Fields.

He added: "I very much want it to go ahead. It is a big day in the social calender."

Mr Fields said: "We are not trying to pull out of the carnival or get it stopped. We simply want a more equitable share of the organisational issues."

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