A village carnival which has entertained residents for over half a century has been discontinued.

The Pontarddulais, Hendy and District Festival Committee has decided to replace the traditional parade with a community summer fete following two public consultation meetings held last month.

Chairman Lyn Anthony said: “The main reasons behind the decision include the organisation of the parade which requires Road Closure Orders and a minimum of 18 persons to man the road as well as stewards to walk with the lorries.

“It also requires at least 10 personnel to man the entrance to Coed Bach Park due to the volume of people entering and pushing their way in behind the lorries.

“Every year we struggle to get assistance for these tasks.

“The committee as it stands does not have the resources. Marshalls are then brought in at a cost to perform these roles.”

Road Closure Orders, policing and marshalls cost in the region of £600.

Currently the committee utilise the soccer playing fields at Coed Bach Park, hired from Swansea City Council, at a cost of £450 with insurance at almost £900

Due to the amount of litter left after the event, organisers also organise a complete litter pick at a cost of £75.

The lack of support is also an element of why the carnival will no longer go ahead.

Mr Anthony continued: “In fairness to the Haulage companies, who provide the lorries free of charge, they find it more difficult each year to assist with drivers and lorries.

“The number of floats being entered has dwindled making the parade shorter each year.

“The float organisers themselves find it hard to get people to help prepare the floats.

“We used to have between five and six floats from the three schools, last year we had one.

“This is not a criticism, but a clear sign of the times.”

Although the decision was not taken lightly, the committee has noticed more and more separate events being organised locally on carnival day which has reduced the number of people attending the field and taking part in the events.

As a result, this has reduced the number of people taking part in the carnival events.

It has been decided that a summer community fete will be held as an alternative to the traditional carnival.

The Christmas grotto will be retained as well as the inter school’s sports competition.

These events are free.

Secretary Steve Lloyd Janes said: “As the current secretary, I would like to thank all the organisations and volunteers and businesses who have supported the carnival committee which helped the committee of volunteers to continue over the last 50 years.

“I'm sure the summer fete and all the various events we organise will continue to get the communities support.”