Christmas fayre axed, but lights will remain (From Thurrock Gazette)

Christmas fayre axed, but lights will remain

3:00pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

CORRINGHAM’S popular winter fayre has been cancelled.

Corringham and Fobbing Community Forum has announced it can no longer run the annual festive event, which sees the town centre packed as the crowds flock to enjoy the Christmas lights, stalls, and entertainment.

Forum chairman Danni Tate said it is a shame such a positive event has been cancelled as there has been trouble in the town recently. Sponsorship from Petroplus has also been lost with the company going bust.

She said: “There have been much publicised issues in Corringham town centre with the anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The Winter Fayre is an opportunity for the whole community to get together and celebrate the good in our community at a special time of year.

“Unfortunately, the community forum can no longer take on the responsibility of organising the lights and fayre.”

Despite the cancellation of the fayre, businesses in Corringham are determined to see the Christmas lights, which cost in the region of £3,000, go up in the town centre as normal.

Many traders have made donations and the newly formed Corringham Events Committee is in talks with several large companies about funding.

Liam Judd is one of the businessmen on the committee.

He said: “Basically the festival itself is not going ahead this year, the forum doesn’t have the time, resources, or the money for it.

“We will try and make sure the Christmas lights go up at least, and are looking to arrange a few events on some Saturdays in December, but this is not confirmed yet.

“We are focusing on making next year’s event the biggest yet, but we need more people to join the committee.”

Anyone who would like to join the Corringham Events Committee, donate towards the lights, or can help in any way, can call Mr Judd on 07530 756911.