TWO of the biggest events in Walton’s calendar could be under threat because of a row over traffic cones.

Colchester Council has told carnival and classic car show organisers they will be charged for cones for the first time in years.

The volunteers fear it could cost hundreds of pounds and threaten the future of the events.

John Halls, of the Walton Forum, said Tendring Council used to provide a free service.

Traffic cones are now dealt with by Colchester Council, which took over centralised parking services this year.

Mr Halls said: “Tendring would drop them off and we’d put them out in the morning and collect them all later.

“Then we’d put them in one of my vans and take them back to the council depot in Clacton.

“We’ve been doing it like that for 15 years, but now it’s all got to come out of Colchester.

“We send them a map so they can put the cones out and then collect them and send us the bill.”

Mr Halls claims the cost of putting out hundreds of cones could put them out of business.

He said: “All the money raised goes to local charities, schools or the air ambulance.

“But there will be no car show or carnival next year if we’ve got to pay.”

Mr Halls fears the cones could cost as much as £500.

He says Kirby fete, which attracts thousands of people to the village, will also be hit.

Mr Halls, who is mayor of Frinton and Walton Town Council, said: “Everyone gives their time for free and it brings a lot of people into the town.

“There is no question this will put these events at risk. We just don’t have the money.”

The Colchester Council-based North Essex Parking Partnership deals with traffic cones.

A spokesman said they might be prepared to look at the charging issue again if there were special circumstances.

He added: “If they come back with a full resume of what they need I will pass it on to someone who can make a decision over whether they are charged.”