Pennypinching local businesses have been blamed for a festive blackout which will leave Ongar High Street in the dark this Christmas.

The Ongar Town Partnership has cancelled plans to put up Christmas lights in the town due to "a dreadful lack of support" from High street shops and traders.

The partnership claims the problems it faced were exacerbated this year by tougher regulations introduced by Epping Forest District Council.

The news is another blow for Ongar's already beleaguered High Street businesses but acting chair of the partnership, David Powell laid the blame firmly at their doorsteps.

"I would say to them 'it's your own fault if you gave us support we would be glad to do it'."

Mr Powell said the response from local businesses when asked for contributions had been at times "quite offensive" despite warnings last year that the problem was on the horizon.

He added: "It's a shame because the residents will suffer as well."

Secretary of the partnership, Doreen Corsi echoed those sentiments saying: "We are all absolutely devastated because in the past it's been a stupendous day especially for all the children. We've had Frank Bruno come down to switch them on and it used to be fantastic."

The Christmas lights are paid for by donations from local business, money raised by the partnership and a contribution from the parish council.

Chariman of the parish council, Cllr Roger Roles expressed his disappointment that the partnership had been forced to throw the switch.

Last year Epping High Street was left in the dark because organisers faced a £10,000 bill to bring facilities into line with district council regulations before they could acquire the necessary electrical engineer's safety certificate.

A spokesman for the district council admitted they had not been called to inspect a Christmas lights display in Ongar this year but denied their safety codes were to blame.

Published Thursday December 18, 2003

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