While money is still coming in from inscriptions on the 52 granite benches the Town Centre Partnership is installing around the harbour, including this recent one at the model yacht pond, the charity’s executive officer Deputy Jack Honeybill is worried it might have to curtail its activities following the loss of Specsavers’ annual £5,000 grant. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0734006)

THE future of the Town Carnival could be in jeopardy unless a new sponsor can be found.

It is one of several events organised by the Town Centre Partnership, which is looking for a new sponsor after major backer Specsavers withdrew its annual sponsorship of £5,000.

Yearly administration and expenses for the registered charity and member of the Association of Guernsey charities come to £8,000.

‘They have been fantastic for several years but, regrettably, have had to withdraw their sponsorship, which was the lifeblood of the partnership,’ said its executive officer, Deputy Jack Honeybill.

He said it was vital someone stepped in so the partnership could continue its work.

‘In the absence of a substitute sponsor, we are going to have to cover that ourselves. We have some reserves, but that will go fairly quickly and it will prevent us from going ahead with future projects,’ said Deputy Honeybill.

Co-founder of Specsavers Dame Mary Perkins said the company had enjoyed supporting the partnership for many years but felt that it was time to reallocate funds and support some other worthy causes, particularly within sports and education.