10:13am Thursday 10th December 2009
By Chris Carson
Bridport’S Christmas decorations are a dismal disgrace, says a veteran town councillor.
Keith Cast believes they are getting poorer every year and he is ‘ashamed’ at the town’s lack of seasonal enthusiasm.
The talented artist – whose colourful seascapes have adorned many television sets including the wall in Alf Roberts’ Coronation Street home – says the town needs brightening up.
He said: “Lyme Regis should be congratulated on its fabulous street Christmas display – it puts Bridport to shame.
“In years past Bridport has set an example but it has got poorer and poorer.
“I am very disappointed – out of the ten charity shops only one has displayed a tree. East Street is by far the poorest with no tree at all from about the Bull Hotel up to the town hall.
“The trees seem to be getting smaller each year including the ones on the town hall. It makes me quite ashamed that the enthusiasm for the Christmas display is becoming poorer each year.”
Coun Cast says there are some notable exceptions – the tree in Bucky Doo Square is ‘excellent’ again and shopkeepers at Frosts and the East Bridge newsagents have both made a big effort.
He added: “I think the chamber of trade should offer a cup for the shop with the best decorated exterior each year to generate some enthusiasm.”
Bridport town clerk Bob Gillis said: “As has been the custom for a number of years in Bridport, the town council invites all premises in the town centre to have a Christmas tree, which is supplied by a local firm. The costs of the installation are met by the premises themselves and the town council hopes that as many businesses as possible will have a tree.”
Chamber of Trade President Mike Harvey agreed the trees did not look brilliant. He said they would look into Coun Cast’s suggestion to run an annual competition for the best decorated shop.
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