THERE are hopes Penhill Carnival could be revived.

New borough councillor for the area David-Oladapo Ibitoye says he wants to resurrect the popular event, which ended in 2013 due to a lack of volunteers.

Coun Ibitoye, who represents Penhill and Upper Stratton, said: “I’m keen the carnival gets developed into something across both wards eventually.

“We’re not there yet, but the spirit to organise it is definitely getting back up, so hopefully next year we will be able to put something wonderful on.”

Founded in 1976 was an annual summer feature and had grown into a week-long event when it first finished in 1995. A brief revival followed in 2011 but it didn’t last. Another attempt to bring it back in 2015 resulted in a family fun day.

Coun Ibitoye used to be on the carnival committee and has lived in the area for the past 19 years.

He added: “We have such a good community spirit here. I can honestly say that I think Penhill is one of the nicest places to live. When I moved to the area I didn’t know anything about the reputation parts of Swindon have."

His enthusiasm is shared by Michaela Johnston who manages the Pinetrees and John Moulton community centres. “It would be a good way to bring all the different cultures in our community together for a fun day.”

She added that Central Swindon North Parish Council would be happy to let the carnival use the John Moulton hall for any of the events or planning stages.

Marilyn Beale, who was involved in organising the carnival for 13 years was keen but had a word of caution.

“People don’t realise how much you have to do to put on such a thing,” she said.

“You’ve got to have a big backing with lots of money and people to do the risk assessments.

"But I think the people around here would love it. Everyone would come out for it.”

One of the reasons Coun Ibitoye, who won his seat from Labour in the local elections earlier this year, was keen to get the carnival up and running again was what he said was a feeling in the community that nothing was getting done.

He said: “We’re now in an era where we should focus on who should get the job done, not just assuming that this area will vote a certain way because it always has.”