Carnival float destroyed by vandals

Vandals have smashed a float to pieces just a week before the carnival queen and princesses were due to appear on it.

The Beccles carnival queen's float has been completely destroyed.

The throne and two chairs have been smashed to pieces, the float flooring ripped up, the cast-iron gold gazebo unbolted and bent, the sign broken in ­ two, the decorations stolen, the light board and trellis smashed to pieces and the trailer tyres smashed.

The damage was discovered on Friday evening at Beccles quay, where the float had been left.

It formed apart of the parade during Beccles carnival two weeks ago, but was due to appear at the larger Lowestoft carnival this weekend. Now the hopes of carnival queen Jenny Williams and princesses Katie Lovegrove and Eleanor Kay have been dashed.

Carnival vice-chairman Annette Tackley said: “We are so gutted. We just can't believe someone would do that. I don't think they realise how much work went into it.

“Our carnival queen and princesses will be completely devastated, as they had been looking forward to attending Lowestoft carnival parade.”

Her daughter, carnival secretary Yvette Tackley, said: “When I arrived at the quay I could not believe the damage caused. I was completely disgusted that anyone would even consider destroying this. My mother and I spent many hours preparing and decorating the float.”

The vandalism has been reported to police, who have suggested that the theft of the cast-iron panels on the gazebo may have been a motive. There has been an increase in metal thefts, from road signs to roofing lead, because of rising scrap metal prices.

The organisers are pleading for anyone who can help to get in touch.

Anyone who can help with repairs and removal or has an open-topped vehicle which could be used at Lowestoft carnival on Sunday is asked to contact Annette Tackley on 01502 715671.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact Suffolk police on 01986 835300.