CRUNCH talks have been held between local carnival clubs who have formed a new group to solve a recurring problem of securing somewhere to build their carts.

A number of South Somerset Federation Carnival clubs are currently facing the task of having to find a new build home.

The clubs’ build homes are vital spaces which allow members to build the variety of spectacular entries which are paraded in the autumn months.

An attempt to improve the situation has been launched by local clubs and interested groups.

An initial meeting was recently held at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster to discuss the possibility of a new Carnival Park Facility in a location which would serve the South Somerset Federation clubs.

A spokesman for the group said: “A strong turnout of clubs including mounted entries,walkers and groups demonstrated their support for the project.

“One club in the Ilminster area is already having to look for a new home while others are aware that they will need a new home in the near future.

“Jointly, Steve Dawe, from Harlequin Carnival Club, and Kym Toms, from Ilminster Carnival Committee, were asked to head up the project, sharing the role of chairman for the new committee.

“The committee has been formed as the South Somerset Carnival Park Committee, and has initially tasked itself to look into the possibility of such a facility based on the model which exists in Glastonbury – Butler Park.”

Members of the group will now examine the possibility of land, and financing options and they also plan to raise their public profile before the next SSCPC meeting.

That will be held at the Shrubbery Hotel on the May 12 at 7.30pm.

The SSCPC is inviting key stakeholders, individuals and groups who may be interested in the project, or anybody who is able to offer support, to get in touch with either Steve or Kym via email on sscp.committee@outlook.com or by calling 07957 574424.