THE chairman of Upton’s Tourism and Trade Association has slammed councillors for not supporting Christmas celebrations in the town.

Peter Webb, who is also a member of the town council, addressed his fellow councillors at their latest meeting.

He said the Tourism and Trade Association were “appalled” to receive a full invoice for using the Memorial Hall to host a children’s Christmas party, Santa’s grotto, carol service and blessing.

He told them the matter ‘impinged on the council’s reputation and integrity’.

“This council does nothing for the town to celebrate Christmas. If it were not for volunteers there would be no trees, no Santa’s ride around town, no children’s party, no carols and even no lights,” he said. “The council even cut the budget for Christmas trees, meaning help had to be begged, and still is, to erect them.”

He added: “I can see the headline now - ‘Scrooge council’ leaves town in darkness.”

Town clerk Andrea Oliver told him: “We are not made of money, and any extra that we give out has to come back from our ratepayers.”

Mayor Andrea Morgan said: “It is a very difficult situation for everyone money-wise.”

She added that she would be delighted to offer her help to Coun Webb in organising festive events.

“We do try,” she told him. “You are a councillor yourself and I hope that you realise that we are certainly not ‘Scrooge’. Unfortunately we cannot stretch every way.

“I would be more than happy to help with Christmas things but, until now, have never been asked. Perhaps we can look forward to working together in the future.”