SOARING insurance costs have forced Otley Carnival organisers to make a discretionary charge for the first time in the event's history. Although it will be up to the individual, there will be a suggested charge of £1 for adults entering the carnival field.

Reluctant though the organisers are, faced with a trebling in the cost of public liability insurance, they were left with little choice. Next year, the organisers face yet another rise - and that is if they can find an insurance company willing to take them on.

Across the area, event organisers are having to face the consequences of an increasingly litigious society. Just about every aspect of an event can be potentially dangerous - and have the potential for someone taking everyone on the organising committee to court. Even advertising posters at the sides of roads can be a danger.

Not only has our sueing society spelt the death knell for some events, but it has put an almost unbearable strain on those organisers who struggle on. Otley's new Mayor, Councillor Nigel Francis, has suggested that the town council could help out with a blanket insurance for the town's major events, but to no avail - only the organisers can take out insurance.

Meanwhile, if we want events like Otley Carnival to carry on, we must be prepared to make a contribution. We all enjoy the spectacle which hundreds of people have spent weeks to put together. It would be a crying shame if the carnival disappeared all because of the fear of what might happen.

Otley's Mayor-elect, Councillor Nigel Francis, finally made it into office on Monday - despite just about every other councillor at the meeting having a pop at him for his outrageous behaviour in not turning up at his own mayor-making ceremony. Coun Francis apologised a lot and pointed out that he was not alone in missing a council meeting - he didn't specify just how many mayor making ceremonies, however.

But really, in fear of losing out at the local elections? Is this the same councillor who romped home with the biggest majority in the town council elections.