Has the council lost their minds? I feel it was a total shambles why was the road not closed off? I was outside NatWest Bank with my four-year-old daughter who could not see anything. If you needed to move you had to walk onto the road which in itself was madness as there was traffic coming from all directions.
There were articulated lorries coming from South Road turning into West Street, and as the pavements were bulging with eager children and their parents waiting for the arrival of Santa, it would have only taken one little push or fall for someone to have seriously been injured and all because the road was not closed off.
When Santa did make his appearance you coul d see everyone starting to merge off the pavements into the road, trying to get a better look as you could not see a thing, with oncoming traffic coming from all directions what a great idea! I cannot see the logic of Saturday night’s events as in previous years it has all been combined as late night shopping with stalls, rides and Santa coming to switch the lights on which has always been a huge success.
I am not disputing the fact that Sunday was great as usual with everyone involved pulling together to make the day great for all who attended, but the spark of going into town one evening to see Santa arriving, and counting down until the lights come on followed by visiting all the stalls and shops, while catching up with friends and getting into the Christmas spirit was just not there this year. Let’s hope that next year goes back to normal and fun for all.