MY reaction to Craig Simmons’ comments (Financial issues will still affect carnival (Oxford Mail, March 1) is perhaps rather revolutionary.

Why don’t those who gain financially from this event, and others who are allowed to subject local residents to the various tone deaf offerings provided by over-amplified musicians, put their hands in their own pockets & finance this so-called carnival directly rather than attempting to raid the continually dwindling public purse?

I use the term ‘musicians’ extremely loosely of course, as the volume would, at any other time or in any other environment be subject to the ‘noise police’ from Oxford City Council’s environmental health officers, backed up by the police (except, that is, for college balls, but they appear to be a ‘no-go area’ for the council and police, anyway).

If public funds are so bad that the budget cannot finance all our libraries and other supposedly vital services, why on earth should our taxes be put into this carnival, especially after the farce that it became last year?

Perhaps Craig Simmons should come into the real world of finance where business cases are paramount and the excuse of being ‘nice to have’ is not an option.

Party pooper? Me? No. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t be overly concerned, but, at a time when our county council has no money to even rectify our roads correctly, I’m sure Keith Mitchell would also have difficulty arguing logical financial agreement.

Mick Heavey, Old Marston, Oxford