COUNCILLORS in Ringwood have given the go-ahead for the ever-popular Carnival to be held at alternative grounds in the event that ongoing flood works at The Bickerley haven't been finished on time.

Works to increase the capacity of the sewer network and install new pipes to alleviate the risk of flooding in the area - which form part of a £1.8million scheme - were completed at the site earlier this year.

The works meant that last year's Carnival and Armed Forces Day events had to be moved to Carver's Playing Field where councillors have permitted this year's Carnival be held.

Last year Wessex Water agreed to help fund and support the relocation of the event which included installing protective tracks at the sports ground.

A spokesman for Wessex Water said: "We have now completed phase one of our scheme to increase capacity of the foul sewer network in the Bickerley Road and Kingsbury’s Lane area of Ringwood. Investigations are ongoing into future phases, which will include the installation of new pipework and upgrading Bickerley pumping station.

"Last year we helped to fund and support the relocation of Armed Forces Day and Ringwood Carnival to Carver’s Sports Ground. Armed Forces Day is not taking place in Ringwood this year but we are hopeful the carnival will be able to return to Bickerley Common in September."

Wessex Water project manager Bruce McAuslane said: “We haven’t had any flooding incidents at Bickerley since phase one of our scheme was commissioned, despite some significant periods of heavy rainfall.

“We are in regular contact with Ringwood Town Council and we’re hoping the Carnival can go back to Bickerley Common in September. If not, we will again work with the council to make sure the event goes ahead at the sports ground.”

Ringwood town clerk, Terry Simpson, said: "Members really want to support the Carnival as we always do.

"What they decided was that the use of Carvers be approved in the event that The Bickerley would not be available. It will be done by then, we are assured. We will be asking Wessex Water to provide the tracking to protect the flood.

"Wessex Water think they will have done the remedial works but we are keeping both options open. We will be liaising with them and with the Carnival team.

"It's going to have to be in good time for the Carnival team to make all the arrangements.

"The last thing the council would want is for the Carnival not to be successful because of its location."