Hampshire Police's decision to withdraw officers from carrying out crowd and traffic control, and the requirements from them and the highway agencies to provide properly trained and supervised stewards has presented a big challenge for Hayling's Carnival this year, according to organiser Marilyn Skennerton.

Luckily the Lions have been able to call upon the volunteers from both the Island's Rotary Club and the Paris to Hayling Bike Ride group to provide a 50-strong team of marshals.

Without them the police would not have sanctioned the road closures along the normal route down the Seafront and back, and the floats which have formed a major part of the event would have been consigned to history.

But Mrs Skennerton warned the public to come out in force on the first Saturday of August and either take part in the pararde, and/or support the street collection.

Otherwise the risk is voluntary groups on Hayling will find funding from the Lions much harder in future.

Marilyn said: "We had quite a few complaints about the lack of floats that took part last year, but you don't need to have a lorry or a formal float to take part in the procession.

"There is nothing stopping people from coming out in fancy dress, or getting on a motorbike or cycling with us. The kids can even join in on scooters or skateboards.

"The move to Beachlands from Legion Fields cost the Carnival around £7,000 per year in lost income from the funfair and gate entry.

"The lion's share of the money now raised comes from the parade through the collection buckets.

"If people don't donate then when it comes to handing out the cash – and every penny goes to good causes on the Island nowhere else – there will be less to go round in months and years to come."

Concerns from firms and businesses, who have lent commercial vehicles such as flatbed vans and lorries for community groups to use in the procession, have grown with ever more stringent health and safety regulations and concerns over public liability insurance.

The Hayling Carnival has £10million cover through Lions International but any firm that provides a vehicle on the day, is responsible for insuring anyone who travels on it.

Marilyn added: "We have said that people should talk to their insurers but in most cases it costs an extra £30 or £40. The Lions have said we will reimburse that if community groups say they can't justify paying it.

"There is still a month to go before the Carnival and we will take entries for the procession up until the day before. I appeal to everyone not to sit back but to join in the fun."

She pleaded with the public to be patient during the procession, which leaves Beachlands at 5pm before travelling to Eastoke and back to Carnival Field by 7pm. Some roads will be shut before the start.

Marilyn said: "There may be slightly longer road closures than in the past. We have to provide barriers under the new rules to close junctions off, and while we promise to only close roads for the minimum time necessary, it will take longer than when the police provided rolling road blocks."

The Lions are still looking for more volunteers to help marshall the route between 4.30pm and 7pm. If you can help, call Rod on 9246 3491.

If you wish to enter a float in this year's parade, call Cheryl Elliott on 9246 3491.

For more information about the Carnival watch out for our official carnival programme which will be available in the last week of July.