SPECTATORS will be shut out of the Minster Churchyard on Silver Street for this year's Ilminster Carnival to stop a repeat of trouble seen last year.

Ilminster police will be closing the grounds and patrolling the area after problems last year, which included beer cans and lit cigarettes being thrown into the crowd, youths urinating on gravestones and a large amount of alcohol-related litter being left behind.

The churchyard will now be closed before and throughout the procession.

Sgt Andy Lloyd from the Ilminster Safer Stronger Neighbourhood Team said: "This response, which forms part of Operation STARC (Somerset Tackling Alcohol Related Disorder), is a direct result of the excellent partnership work taking place between the carnival committee, St Mary's Church and also the town council."

Those tempted to enter the grounds are being warned of new rules which allow police to disperse individuals or groups from an area for up to 48 hours in order to minimise the likelihood of alcohol-related crime or disorder.

Sgt Lloyd told the News: "We all want the carnival to be a peaceful and enjoyable evening for all concerned where families and people of all ages feel safe and confident to come into town and admire all the hard work that has taken place in the lead up to this year's procession.

"By temporarily closing the churchyard I am confident we will be able to make a positive contribution to the atmosphere and enjoyment on the night for all those wishing to view the procession from Silver Street."

Carnival spokesman Jeremy Mitchell said the committee was confident there would not be a repeat of last year's trouble. We will co-operate and will help the police in whatever way we can.

"We will provide assistance with our trained marshals who will be patrolling the area with police."

-o- THE Ilminster Carnival procession will NOT be affected by damage to the Market House and the widening of pavements in East Street, carnival committee spokesman Jeremy Mitchell said this week.

There have been suggestions floats may struggle to make their way through the town centre but Mr Mitchell said the committee was confident there would be no problems.

He said: "The scaffolding on the Market Square has been checked and it's okay. The route is not going to change."