COWBOYS and sheriffs will grace the streets of Woodley next summer as Woodley’s longest-serving tradition is set for a twist.

The Woodley Town Carnival Committee has announced that next year’s carnival will be wild west-themed.

The event came under scrutiny from residents this year after only four floats were seen taking part in the parade.

But Sue Tyler, the newest member of the Woodley Carnival Committee, a team of volunteers who meet monthly to organise the day, is urging residents to support next year’s spectacle and make the tradition great once again.

Mrs Tyler said: “This year the carnival got

a lot of criticism and that made me very angry.

“Woodley is a lovely place to live, it’s safe and friendly and I for one think it’s beautiful, and it seems a shame that the carnival is getting criticised.

“I think we need to bring the fun back into the carnival.

“The wild west theme is a great idea because it gives the whole town something to focus on.”

The carnival cost as little as £4 to enter this year, and the event is unlikely to be free of charge in 2016.

Mrs Tyler said the costs of the event before it starts are around £11,000, meaning even if it pours with rain and no one turns up on the day the committee is already £11,000 out of pocket.

The charge is however likely to be low, and excess funds made will go back into the community in the way of donations to various groups and schools.

The 53-year-old added that the committee cannot be blamed for the lack of floats in this year’s carnival.

Mrs Tyler said: “I remember the days when we had the Red Arrows flying over and the parachutes.

“It seems that people think if you don’t have 10 or 15 floats then it’s not a proper carnival, but this year the carnival was beautiful with the roller skaters and the scout parade, and Beechwood [school] on their bikes.

“The community atmosphere is the most important thing. We have to think about the economics.

“I know one company charged £80 just in fuel for one of the schools to have a float this year.

“Some carnivals don’t even have floats.”

The grandmother-of-nine, who has lived in Woodley for her entire life, has issued a plea on social media site Facebook for residents to come forward with fresh ideas for next year’s carnival, which has been earmarked for Saturday, June 11, 2016.

“I have nine grandchildren with a 10th on the way and I work full-time, if I have the time to help out then anyone does.

“We are not asking for people to donate money or even join the committee.

“We just want people to come forward

with fresh ideas,” said Mrs Tyler, of Headley Road.

“Let’s make the town’s carnival great again.”

A number of residents have already responded to the post, with suggestions

ranging from horse and carts to saloon bar girls.

For more details visit www.woodleycarnival.org.uk