WEYMOUTH Carnival is in crisis as organisers try to drum up support from businesses.

They warn that apathy from seafront traders in particular could kill the event.

This year’s carnival will go ahead but it could be the last.

Fed-up members from the town’s Rotary clubs who brought the August extravaganza back with a bang last year are frustrated with traders who are refusing to put their hands in their pockets.

Their anger is mainly directed at seafront hoteliers and catering businesses which are probably the biggest winners during carnival week but are apparently not giving anything back in return.

Carnival committee members have had phones put down on them and doors slammed in their faces in the past week, chairman Shaun Hennessy revealed.

He said: “I don’t know how we’ll motivate the team next year when they have been met with such apathy while seeking sponsorship.

“We have no intention of putting work into an event when the people who make the biggest money out of it do not support us.

“If this carries on why should we continue to put on an event which lines the pockets of seafront business people who will happily keep their hands in their pockets when we need them?”

The Rotary clubs took over organising the carnival last year and were delighted to receive the support of two big sponsors for what was one of the most successful events on record.

It attracted more than 100,000 people and raised £40,000 for good causes. With no major players on board this year the organising committee is looking to drum up support for its smaller £100 and £250 sponsorship packages from lots of businesses.

Mr Hennessy said traders based on the outskirts of town and even from outside the borough had been quick to write out cheques.

But he finds it ‘astounding’ that businesses in the town centre, particularly on the seafront, are reacting so negatively.

He added: “I thought the £100 sponsorship package would be a great opportunity for businesses to show they’re willing to help.

“But they’ve all been very reluctant to put their hands in their pockets. In fact some of them have said they’re too busy to talk to us. This is what caused the death of the carnival a few years ago.

“Many hotels are booked up all week and the crowds will be 10 deep. It’s the busiest time of the year.”

• If you want to sponsor Weymouth Carnival and Air Show 2011 text your name and contact number to 07970 850068.