Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has warned this week that the future of some Somerset carnival clubs could be in jeopardy due to new EU regulations requesting them to replace old-style light bulbs with more expensive environmentally-friendly ones.
David Heathcoat-Amory said on Wednesday (October 21st) that new EU regulations that request the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs mean carnival clubs will have to use more expensive, mercury-filled bulbs.
He says that while the new bulbs last longer, they are more expensive and can cause technical problems when used with mobile generators.
Some carnival clubs are therefore stock-piling old-style bulbs, although the MP says this is only postponing the financial problems.
Mr Heathcoat-Amory told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am a strong supporter of the carnival tradition.”
“It is often not understood in Brussels or London that these are charitable events which create a great deal of fun and enjoyment, as well as raising large sums for good causes.”
“I raised the question of the extra costs of light bulbs in the House of Commons but the government was not sympathetic.”
As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com in September, Burnham’s Carnival Association is also facing a bill of around £1,400 from the Performing Arts Society for payments in respect of the music played on the giant carts.
The MP added: “We have an additional blow from the PRS. I will do whatever I can to raise these issues and get exemptions for our annual carnivals.”
“I would like to see some National Lottery funding for carnival clubs, and I will support any such application.”
RELATED LINKS:
2009 Burnham-On-Sea Carnival Guide
