North Petherton Carnival has been cancelled after organisers met with the emergency services today.

Police, fire and rescue, Highways Agency, ambulance service and other local authorities said the Carnival would create more traffic chaos.

Chief Marshal Charlie Radford made the announcement this morning and said that while it was disappointing, it was the appropriate decision.

He said: “We had the meeting with the police, firefighters and highways and they recommended it didn’t go ahead because there would be further traffic chaos and limited resources if there were further incidents.

“We didn’t want to take the risk of further accidents or upset. It is also in recognition of those who lost their lives or were injured and their loved ones, especially as we are so near to where it happened.”

It is the first time in the 63 years that the Carnival has been running that it has been cancelled.

Charlie added: “We are all gutted after all the work we have put in and the bills we have paid out. We will be out of pocket but may have just enough to survive next year, but it’s not looking great.

“However, given the circumstances, it was the right move.”

He said a collection may be held instead for victims of the M5 crash and their families.

A police spokesman said: “It was felt that the road network would be placed under further pressure with high volumes of traffic already diverted from the M5 following the multiple road traffic collision.

Bill Revans, North Petherton Mayor, said: "This is the right decision as a mark of respect to those that died on the M5 last night and for the safety of local residents, as our roads and emergency services would not be able to cope with the M5 and A38 being closed at the same time.

“I am sure that those that put so much into carnival will understand this difficult decision.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who tragically lost their lives yesterday on the M5, with their families and with those who were injured. ,p>"We are hugely grateful to the emergency services who responded to this situation with such professionalism.”

Scott Witcomb, from Hot Rock Carnival Club, said the Carnival was ‘immaterial’ because people had died.

He said: “We’re all a bit disappointed but that’s immaterial when people have lost their lives, or their family or friends.

“We had wanted to put a show on for the town and the girls were just getting their make up on when we heard the news.

“But our thoughts are with the people who were involved in the accident and their families. The cancellation is a sign of respect for them, more than anything.”

Around 100 Carnival clubs are waiting on Taunton Road, uncertain when they will be move.

Scott added: “We don’t know if we’ll go en route directly to Burnham, but we hope we’ll move sooner rather than later as we had a late night and an early morning.”

Jason White, Marketeers member and electrician, said: “I’m pleased they’ve made this decision, it’s a mark of respect.

“All our thoughts our go out to those involved and their loved ones, and for those who are injured, I hope they make a speedy recovery.”