A LAST-minute decision by traffic police has meant that the biannual Accrington Carnival has had to change the Grand Parade's route, just two weeks before the big event.

Preparations started two years ago and several meetings were held between organisers the Accrington Lions, Hyndburn Council and police to determine the final route.

The parade journey towards the new site for field events at Peel Park was clarified and agreed, but Ray Pullinger, carnival committee chairman, said: "There has been a sudden change at the last minute. When it was all arranged, we were given people to liaise with, which we did, and someone went round the route two weeks ago and agreed it.

"But police decided it is not practical to go with that route and safety was mentioned, so we agreed with this as there is no way we would put anybody at risk.

"At the end of the day, everyone wants it to be a success. It will all work out and we will have a very good day." Three thousand programmes have already been printed, but the new route will now avoid Eastgate and Burnley Road, so new leaflets will have to be produced to accompany them.

PC Gary Makin, of traffic management at Accrington, said: "Organisers had spoken to police, but not those in road traffic.

"When we looked at it, the feeling was that the original route would bring Accrington centre to a standstill for an hour at lunchtime and Accrington would have been gridlocked. We suggested an alternative route, which everyone is happy with."

Town Centre Sergeant for Accrington Julian Platt, said: "We have to go with a route that can be policed safely for the carnival and the public."

The procession still leaves the Globe Centre at 10.45am, travel down Eagle Street on to Blackburn Road, past the town hall and the bus station.