Carnival protest at redevelopment

People in Lancaster have organised a Carnival of Culture to celebrate its individuality in protest against redevelopment plans.

Organisers said several proposals for widespread renovation "threaten to destroy the fabric of the community."

A group of residents, artists and musicians have organised the day to celebrate the "unique feel and culture" of the city.

The carnival will see parades, musical performances and street theatre.

It's about giving Centros, the Council and any other developers a taste of the strength of our community and of our opposition Kirsty Reed, organiser

Organiser Kirsty Reed said: "From Centros Miller to the Northern Link road, from the Bailrigg Science Park to new supermarkets, Lancaster is seeing lots of proposed developments which threaten to destroy the fabric of our community.

"The Carnival of Culture is both a celebration of Lancaster's amazing melting pot of culture as well as an outspoken protest against what we don't want.

"It's about giving Centros, the council and any other developers a taste of the strength of our community and of our opposition."

Centros Miller were named preferred developers in Lancaster in 2005 and said they would renovate the Canal Corridor north site in Lancaster.

Carnival of Culture organisers say that Centros Miller's plans do not reflect what local people have said they wish to see on this site.

They claim a consultation found that local people would like to see the area developed as a cultural quarter, affordable housing to be built, space for small retail units and a city park.

Organisers are calling on the city council to not go any further forward with this development and to support genuine community-led development of this site instead.