TRADERS in Trowbridge feel ‘abandoned’ and ‘undervalued’ by the town council after councillors failed to tell them that the Christmas lights switch-on would take place in the park again in 2018.

Following a successful event in the park and at the civic centre in December, councillors agreed that it should take place there for 2018 too. Cllr Edward Kirk, who owns Scholars in Fore Street, went against this, saying businesses should be consulted.

Many businesses only learned of the change when the Wiltshire Times reported it last week.

The owner of the Kings Arms owner Mike Lefever, said: “This is the first I had heard of it. It is a bit sad because it feels they are abandoning the town centre. It is terrible for the shops. This is not a good decision.”

In previous years, the Chamber of Commerce, now the Trowbridge Chamber, has given £2,000 towards the switch-on costs. Now they say they won’t be contributing this year, following the council’s decision.

Bill Ellis, of Bilbo’s Bags in Castle Place, said: “This night attracts thousands of people to the town centre. I fear that by doing this, this hurts traders. They want to know why the high street is dying but then they do this to businesses. We need to be kept in the loop because if we work together we can get somewhere.

“They say that they want to fill these empty shops and find a solution but then they keep us in the dark. Well I am sorry, actions speak louder than words.”

The council moved the event in 2017 from outside the Town Hall because part of it was covered in scaffolding awaiting repairs to damaged masonry. There were also roadworks in Market Street and the event’s road closures disrupt public transport due to the town centre road closures.

Leykers Coffee Central owner and Trowbridge Chamber chairman, Tracy Parker, said: “We understand that last year was a great success so The decision to move it didn’t come as a complete surprise. However, we would hope for more communication with the council to make it even more successful.

“As a business community we believe we are undervalued, unheard and underutilised by the town council. We need to work together.”

Cllr Kirk added: “I assume the decision was made because the feedback was very good but businesses should still have been told.”

Town clerk Lance Allan said: “Trowbridge’s Christmas lights switch-on day is not a single event, it is a whole day of co-ordinated activities. The council will be working with our partners, including The Shires shopping centre, to make the 2018 switch-on another successful day. Our Museum will be once again supporting activities in the Town Hall and

“We are planning to have stalls and entertainment during the day in Fore Street. The Civic Centre will also be hosting our popular craft fayre. Once the shops have closed everyone can make their way to the park for the big switch-on itself, followed by a carol service at St James’ church.”