One of the Isle of Wight's oldest carnivals admits it is facing a "worrying" future amid concerns it could be made "homeless" by new plans unveiled by Southern Water.

For around half a century, Sandown Carnival has used land off East Yar Road, Sandown, to build and store its floats.

The site is owned by the Isle of Wight Council and has recently been earmarked by Southern Water as a base for its new water recycling plant.

Although the water company and the council insist they will try to find the carnival a new home, should plans go ahead, it is likely to mean Sandown Carnival will be forced to relocate.

On behalf of Sandown Carnival Association, chair Paul Coueslant, told the County Press it is a "real blow".

He said: "Sadly, with Southern Water’s plans to develop the site, it does look like we now face being homeless. 

"As a non-profit community group run entirely by volunteers, the news comes as a real blow because we’re unable to afford an expensive relocation."

Paul said he is in "amicable discussions" with Southern Water and he hopes the utility firm can help source an alternative home for the carnival.

He added: "However, suitable float-building sites aren’t easy to come by and it’s a worrying time as we wait to see what the future holds."

In a joint statement, Southern Water and the Isle of Wight Council confirmed the water company is in negotiations with the Isle of Wight Council to purchase the former East Yar Road municipal tip.

The statement said: “If successful, Southern Water will be responsible for relocating any existing occupiers, including Sandown Carnival Association (SCA).

"The company is working closely with SCA to help them prepare for a potential relocation alongside the council, which has already identified an alternative base for the SCA to consider.”

Southern Water hopes the new water recycling plant, near its current wastewater treatment works, will create a new sustainable source of water to maintain the Island’s supplies.

Although planning permission has yet to be granted, the firm is expected to submit an application early next year after a public consultation.