'National threat levels' end Harborne Carnival

DECISION MARKS ANOTHER CANCELLATION IN BIRMINGHAM'S CALENDAR

- ROBSON MCCALLISTER

HARBORNE Carnival has been cancelled after an 'extensive security review' took place.

While 'no specific threat' was identified, organisers made the decision due to 'elevated national threat levels and stringent new security requirements' following a string of attacks at public events around the world.

The move will dismay thousands of people who regularly attend each year, making it one of the most popular events of its type.

The decision also marks another cancellation in the calendar after Birmingham's St Patrick's Day Parade was postponed in March.

In a meeting with Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, organisers were asked how they could 'mitigate' the risk of a major incident.

One potential issue brought up was the open side streets along the route, identified as a concern during the meeting.