THE organisers of a winter carnival in Newport were told that their area is "too rough" for a fairground operator.

This year's Pill Winter Carnival is now without a full fairground.

Organisers of the carnival, being held on Sunday, were left without rides after the original operator pulled out because they were double booked.

After a radio appeal, another operator stepped in - only to pull put at the last minute because of the area's reputation.

Events co-ordinator Vernon James said: "We had a call from the fairground, who said they wouldn't be coming to Pill. When I asked them why, they said because it's too rough. I couldn't believe it - we were right back to square one."

A replacement operator offered to step in to provide some attractions.

Fair operator Dean Deakin, based in Gloucester, has offered the use of some of his rides.

Mr James said: "Luckily we now have some rides, but we need more."

He fears that the event will be left with far fewer rides and stalls than normal.

Mr James spent the weekend frantically calling fairs across the country. He said: "They were all saying the same thing - Pill's too rough, it's not worth the risk.

"But we have proper policing arranged and have fulfilled all health and safety requirements. Most of the fairs haven't been to Pill for years, but they still have a bad impression about the place."

The fair will be held in the car park of Pill Cattle Market. Police say the event will be properly patrolled, and fairground operators have no need to worry.

PC Ian Roberts is Crime and Disorder reduction officer for Pill police. He said: "Pill has a bad reputation, but it's not as rough as people make out. We are assisting in the running of the carnival, and we will be doing everything we can to minimise the risks to fairground operators and the public.

"The fair is on a secure site, and children will only be allowed in with an adult.

"Officers will be making high visibility foot patrols on the night to make sure everything runs smoothly. There really is nothing to worry about, it's going to be a great night."