THE introduction of new police guidelines have forced organisers of Wythall Carnival and Classic Car Show to cancel its annual procession.

The carnival and car show will still go ahead on August 12 but a new draft policy document drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers dictates a re-evaluation of officers' time and resources and taxpayers' money.

This means the carnival organising committee of Wythall Community Organisation has pulled the plug on the procession because it cannot recruit enough manpower of its own to do the job.

Colin Price, of Wythall Carnival committee, said: "It seems policing community events such as your everyday village carnival or procession is now not a core policing objective and resources cannot be provided.

"These guidelines, in effect, put pressure on the organisers of any community event to 'do it themselves' - there'll be no officers available to walk in front of a procession or stop traffic."

Sgt Andy Chinn, of Redditch police, said officers would always be available to offer advice on marshalling carnival processions and organisations, such as the AA and RAC, could also offer help.

He added: "Historically, we have always covered these events, despite never having been obliged to.

"But with some of the smaller functions, there will be a shift away from police attendance.

"The option still remains where people can pay officers to attend, like they do at some football matches.

"We will not dismiss every application. We will examine it more closely to determine if it really is a job for the police or could it be held in such a way that does not need police cover."

Mr Price said: "The carnival theme is Heroes and Heroines and stallholders are being asked to enter into the spirit by decorating their stall."