ONE of Hampshire's biggest carnivals has been axed after an incident last summer in which a woman was allegedly injured by a water bomb.

The woman, who claims she was hit during last year's Totton and Eling carnival, is seeking damages in a move that could have serious implications for similar shows across the county.

Her compensation claim has already sparked a major review of insurance cover at the carnival, which has been held since at least 1914.

Organisers have been told that potential changes could result in entrants being charged a premium of £110 per float, compared with just £7 last year.

Now they have cancelled this year's event, saying families and voluntary groups would be unable to meet the huge increase.

The decision will disappoint thousands of people who were looking forward to the two-day event.

The carnival was due to have been held in June.

It will also come as a bitter blow to local charities, which raise thousands of pounds at the carnival each year.

The damages are being sought by a Totton woman who says she was watching the procession last June when she was hit by a water bomb thrown from one of the floats.

Carnival chairman James Shadick said: "She is seeking compensation for 'distress, pain and possible long-term damage to her eyes'.

"Water bombs were thrown at the floats and it's possible one was thrown back, but it's equally possible that children standing on the other side of the road threw a water bomb through or over a float, causing it to land among the spectators.

"However, the woman is adamant the water bomb came from one of the floats.

"Arrangements for this year's carnival were going really well and it's a great shame that having got this far we've had to cancel the event, but we had to look at the facts as they stand.

"Unfortunately it's the way things seem to be going. People make claims for things they wouldn't have dreamed of claiming for in the past."

Mr Shadick added: "A lot of people are going to be very disappointed by the decision.

"The carnival attracts a lot of spectators and last year raised £4,500 for charity.

"Hopefully it can be resurrected in the future."

Mr Shadick said he did not know how much the woman was claiming in damages.

The carnival's insurers are Event Insurance Services Ltd.

A spokesman said: "The woman alleges that she received a serious eye injury, but is not at this stage seeking a specific amount."

Brian Dash, the Liberal Democrat candidate for New Forest East in next month's General Election, said: "It's a tragedy that could spell the end for carnivals everywhere.

"The person who allegedly threw the water bomb should be penalised, not innocent public-spirited people who like to bring fun and joy to the town."

Tory candidate Julian Lewis said: "I'm naturally very sorry if anyone was hurt, but it's a sad sign of the times that the compensation culture has made it too risky for people to enjoy the simple pleasures of staging a carnival and raising money for good causes."

Labour candidate Steve Roberts was unavailable for comment.