MALDON Carnival organisers have made a desperate plea for volunteers as the future of the event hangs in the balance.

Several key committee members are looking to step down this year, while other roles remain vacant.

Organisers warn that unless volunteers come forward at the carnival committee’s AGM next month, the event will fold.

The committee needs a chairman, procession chairman, secretary and a treasurer.

Dave Williams, treasurer and acting chairman, said: “We are saying there is a chance the carnival will fold unless we get volunteers and officers.

“In the past we have just appealed for volunteers but we have specific officer positions that need to be filled.”

Mr Williams is hoping to step down as treasurer this year but has said he will carry on the role if no-one else comes forward.

He added: “There are so few of us.

"A couple of us have had to double up on jobs and perhaps haven’t done them as well as if we had just had one job. I think the carnival we put on was very successful [considering that].”

This year organisers also had to forgo a side-line event in Promenade Park with stalls and entertainment due to a lack of volunteers.

Mr Williams said they hoped to be able to resurrect the event next year.

He added: “There is a very strong possibility the carnival won’t happen.

"In the past we have always said it is possible but this year there are two or three people who are stepping down. We don’t want it to fail.”

A flurry of volunteers in 2013 helped save the event from closure.

To help out, attend the AGM at the Constitutional Club in Fambridge Road on November 2 at 7.30pm or call Mr Williams on 07821 646087.