A ROMSEY leader has stressed the public's safety must come first after an annual carnival was cancelled amid coronavirus fears. The Romsey Carnival, which sees a procession of floats dominate the town in July, was called off in an announcement on Tuesday (March 9). In a Facebook post, the chairman and committee said with "deep regret" they had to cancel this year's festivities. The difficult decision was made because the team was unsure what coronavirus restrictions will be in place in July. Town and borough councillor, Nik Daas, said the committee was right to cancel the event, believing revellers should be protected from the deadly bug.