There was a mixed reception - from delight to anger - over the European market held in Chelmsford's pedestrianised High Street this week.

There was delight at its vibrant smart atmosphere but anger over France's tricolour flag being flown on St George's Day.

Entitled 'Chelmsford Goes Continental' the market brought the taste and style of the continent to the town centre over three days.

The event marks the first large-scale effort to add vibrancy to the pedestrianised centre as part of town centre management forward planning.

However, there were a number of complaints in the High Street on Wednesday, St George's Day, when the French tricolour flag was flown over the Gallic market - but there was no sign of England's national flag.

One shopper commented: "It's a disgrace. I am a long standing Chelmsford resident and I was appalled to go into the town on St George's Day and find the tricolour flying but not a St George's flag."

Town centre manager Cathy MacBride said: "We are celebrating the positive element of relations with the continent. St George and his dragon have been in Market Square and have been a prominent and important part of Wednesday's celebrations - WH Smith's were flying the English flag which was good to see."

Chelmsford Retailer's committee chairman Steve McDavid who runs the Woolworth store felt the week had been "really good".

"We have tried to create something different and it made the town a lot busier, so it's been good for my store and others as well and given people an additional reason to visit Chelmsford, which is a good thing in the light of competition," he said.

Published Friday, April 25, 2003

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