Christmas 'cancelled' in Seaton
SEATON Town Council has come under fire for cancelling Christmas by cutting its budget for seasonal activities.
SEATON Town Council has come under fire for "cancelling Christmas" by cutting its budget for seasonal activities.
It was revealed during the monthly council meeting on Monday, March 15, that the Christmas activity budget had been removed from the precept.
Chamber of commerce chairman Marcus Hartnell said financial support from the council was vital for a successful Christmas, particularly after it spent around �5,000 last year.
He said: "Effectively, by withdrawing this money, Seaton Town Council has cancelled Christmas in Seaton."
He questioned why the council was still spending �6,000 on Seaton in Bloom for 2010.
He added: "This [activity] was enhanced by the late night shopping event organised by the Chamber, which many called the 'best Christmas event in Seaton for years'.
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"The chamber had spent in the region of �700 towards this event, with many hours of unpaid work from Chamber members. This was a great achievement in our first year."
Town clerk David Mears told the Midweek Herald that the council had not withdrawn support for the Christmas lights, but had decided not to buy additional lights for Christmas 2010.
He added: "We wish to work with the chamber of commerce concerning display of Christmas lights for 2010.
