TRADERS will not dig into their pockets to save the Town Carnival. But most businesses wish to see it continue for the enjoyable atmosphere it creates in Town and among shoppers, although some claim to experience a downturn in trade during the week.

The Pioneer gift shop owner Jan Rushton put that down to the large crowds of children and families watching the entertainment, deterring others from coming in just to shop.

She said her takings always went down during the carnival.

‘It creates a very nice atmosphere in Town, but unfortunately it is a bit detrimental to trade.

‘I would like to see it continue, as it is a great attraction for kids in their summer holidays when there is not a lot else to keep them amused.’

But if the States stopped its £7,500 funding, the shop would not be in a position to contribute.

‘We already have a lot of charities that we support and it would not be possible to donate any funds.’

Carnival organiser Jane Bristowe said she understood how the traders were thinking and was grateful for the donations they made. However, she was realistic that the organisers could not expect any more.

‘We get a fair amount of contributions from the traders at the moment, but would need to triple that in order to survive. But we cannot see that happening under the current market conditions,’ she said.

‘We can’t always go to the retailers, as they have problems of their own to deal with.’

Boots contributes, but manager Fraser Perman was dubious about how beneficial it was to the island.

‘It is great to have a carnival for locals to celebrate, but I don’t think it alone is a big enough attraction to bring tourists to the island,’ he said.

‘And in order to make a big impact to the economy, we need to promote tourism and the States should be more concerned with developing cheaper travel.’

He said more visitors would benefit the whole island – the knock-on effect for the economy would fill the black hole.

Mr Perman added that it was very difficult to gauge whether the carnival benefited trade.

‘Fine weather plays an important role in drawing people to Town and carnival week was glorious.’

He commended the efforts of Town Centre Partnership executive officer Jack Honeybill and others in promoting the area, but was uncertain whether the carnival was a good investment.

Nautilus co-owner Mathew Cable felt the States funding should continue.

‘For a few tens of thousands of pounds it creates a great atmosphere in Town and entertainment for islanders young and old to enjoy,’ he said.

‘How can they pull the funding when millions are spent on projects for which many islanders perceive no benefit. It would be really mean to spell an end to something that so many enjoy.’

But, similarly, Mr Cable said in all the years he had run the shop, trade had not increased during the carnival.

Mrs Bristowe said this year had been particularly difficult because a lot of the key performance sites such as the seaward side of the Town Church were unavailable.

She said the committee had its fingers crossed for a big private investor to come forward.

Wave Telecom sales assistant Rachel Donaldson said the jovial atmosphere put office workers in a better mood.

‘The weather has been so hot at the moment that everyone has been fed up at work, but customers seemed a lot happier during the carnival.’

Christies and Moore’s Patisserie staff said they wanted to see it continue, but were busy at this time of year regardless.

The Press Shop indicated an increase in trade.