ABERGAVENNY Town Council has called for the town's carnival committee to keep 'tighter' and 'more organised' accounts before it agrees to lend further financial support to the event.

One of Abergavenny's most popular events celebrated its 11th anniversary last year and had applied to the town council for a grant of £4,000 towards the total cost of the event.

Although members were very supportive of the event in general concern was expressed about the lack of a submitted business plans and formal accounts .

Councillor Sam Dodd said she was extremely concerned about the accounts and was supported by fellow members.

She said, "I asked about the accounts last year because they were a bit of a shambles in regards to organisation.

"We have been in touch with the organisers but not heard anything back yet.

"To be honest the accounts system and organisation is diabolical, it really is. Last year they charged £5 entry and there was not a lot going on in Bailey Park."

The carnival is aimed at people of all ages in and around Abergavenny and has always been seen as a family event for the community and this year the carnival will take place on Saturday, July 10.

Town clerk Peter Johns told councillors "We talked about the principal of the council paying bills that are sent to us and suggested that members of the finance committee should meet members of the carnival committee."

Councillor Douglas Edwards said, "Councillor Dodd is quite right, we're going over the same issues over and over again.

"The procession going through the town is super but it's what happens after that concerns me."

"I agree that we should spend our money on the town and I would hate for the carnival to not go ahead because of lack of funding," added Councillor Dodd.

In her first meeting as Mayor, Councillor Norma Watkins said, "We need to say to the committee 'your grant is here for you to have but we need to see you before the carnival.'

"We are responsible to this town, it's town money. I would rather see all councillors involved, rather than just the finance committee, then if there's any problems we can find out at the time of the meeting."

Councillor Roger Harris asked members if they had seen any previous accounts and Councillor Watkins said she didn't know if any existed.

Councillor Harris said, "We cannot charge money on the gate if there's no accounts."

Councillor James George said it was essential that the town council gave its support to the event.

"We did have query on their accounts - they were not presented to the best of standards but we do need to sort this as it's a good thing for the town."

"We support it but with nearly £4,000 being asked for we have to see it audited properly," Councillor Martin Hickman told the meeting.

Councillors unanimously agreed to ask for a meeting with members of the carnival committee to discuss the matter in detail.

"We are using this town's money, giving it to the carnival will be fine but there's no proper account system

"The grant is not in doubt but we would like to see them in our projects meeting, "added Councillor Watkins.