DUNDEE’S LORD provost yesterday defended the Christmas and New Year city centre fun fair rides in the face of confirmation that decorative bollards have been cut down to make way for carnival lorries.

A council spokesman said seven bollards had been “temporarily removed” but would be replaced at no cost to the council.

The news follows disquiet among some shoppers and residents about noise from the dodgem ride over Christmas and the fact it largely obscured the Christmas tree in front of the Caird Hall.

The carnivals, operated by Dundee firm Horne Brothers, have polarised opinion, with some believing they entertain and attract shoppers and families while others over the years, including residents, shoppers, taxi drivers and bus operators, complain about noise and inconvenience.

Charlie Horne said yesterday he was not aware of any bollards being sawn down but gave an assurance that, as in previous years, any damage caused by the carnival will be put right at his expense.

Lord Provost John Letford receives a donation of around £2500 each year from the Horne Brothers for his charitable fund and therefore takes no part in the annual licensing committee deliberations which decide whether the carnivals will be able to go ahead.

“The carnivals are only here for a very short period of time and City Square is absolutely chock-a-block right now,” he said. “There’s a point of view that the carnivals shouldn’t be in the city centre, but I’m sure the number of people who like it far outnumber those who don’t want it there.”

Mr Letford said that the economic development department was charging the Horne Brothers on a commercial basis, with the donation to the lord provost’s fund funnelled through the department.