TRADERS in Trowbridge are joining forces with the town council to make better use of the high street when the Christmas lights switch-on takes place later this year.

Local businesses said they felt abandoned and undervalued by the town council after they said councillors failed to tell them back in March that the switch-on would, once again, take place in Trowbridge Park in 2018.

However, in an effort to make the event more inclusive, the town council has reached out to the Trowbridge Chamber, the Shires, Castle Place and Polebarn Hotel, who will work together to put on all sorts of events and activities in Fore Street. So when the switch on happens in the park on November 24, events will take place throughout the day in Fore Street to help traders too.

Trowbridge Chamber chairman, Tracy Parker, said: “The Chamber are excited to be working with the town council, the Shires and Castle Place to enhance this year’s Christmas experience for business and customers alike, and we are looking forward to collaborating on future events to raise the positive profile of our town.”

Aby Cooper, the council’s customer service manager, said: “There are so many great businesses in Trowbridge, so it’s great to work collectively on a project that will directly benefit the town centre, while adding to the celebrations taking place in the park and civic centre.”

In 2017, the town council said it moved the lights switch-on from outside the town hall to the park because of scaffolding work, roadworks in Market Street and the event’s road closures disrupting public transport.

For more information visit https://www.trowbridgechamber.co.uk/