AN 11th hour bid to save Chippenham Carnival has been launched by businessman Peter Taylor.

He has called on the town to rally behind him so the event can still take place on June 29.

Former carnival chairman Neil Parsons, his wife Corinna and committee member Helen Baker wound up the carnival at a the annual meeting in February, because of lack of support.

Last year the Gazette launched a save the carnival campaign after Mr Parsons warned the 2001 event could be the last.

Mrs Parsons, of Pewsham, said the plan was to not hold the carnival this year, see if people missed it, and try to organise one next year.

However, Mr Taylor, 44, of Winchester Close, Chippenham, who was president of the town's chamber of commerce in 1999, said one could still happen this year. "I want people to let me know if they really want a carnival this year," said Mr Taylor, who has lived in the town 23 years.

He took part in the Chippenham Carnival last year, driving his pink convertible BMW, and has also taken part at Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge parades.

"If the logistics are prepared correctly there is no reason why, in the next four to five weeks, with everybody doing their bit, that we cannot organise it, and it could be better than ever," he said.

Mr Taylor said he has written to new Chippenham Mayor Richard Meek, who replied telling him to look into the idea. He has also enlisted the help of MP James Gray, who has pledged his support.

Mr Taylor has spoken to Chippenham police, and he said they told him everything was in place to hold a carnival this year.

The former Chippenham College student, who is chief executive of the financial services business, Homebuyers (West Country) Ltd, said he appreciates it could be too late for schools to organise floats, but he would be writing to headteachers to see what can be done.

In addition, he said he would be writing to organisations in the town, as well as Chippenham Town Council and North Wiltshire District Council, for funding.

"The carnival is part of Chippenham, and Chippenham people expect it, and if it doesn't happen people will miss it," he added. "It is easy to assume that it may just happen, but somebody has to organise it."

Last year, the Gazette launched an appeal to save the carnival, but Mr Taylor is the first person to come forward to take it on.

Mrs Parsons, of Danvers Mead, in Pewsham, said she and her husband would like to hear from Mr Taylor, but she doubts a carnival could be arranged this year.

"I would love to see it kept going," said Mrs Parsons. "It is great that he wants to take it over, but has he got a committee of other people, because he cannot do it by himself."

To contact Mr Taylor with offers of support call (01249) 657459.