Organisers have hit back following public criticism of plans to stage a Millennium festival in Wickford.

The festival - to be held in the High Street and Nevendon Road Park on May 29 - was lambasted by some residents in letters and comments to the Echo.

One woman claimed the money would be better spent on "cleaning up" the town, while others complained they had not even heard of the project.

Peter Jerman, a member of the committee which is arranging the event, said: "People haven't had the full facts - they're talking about things they know nothing about.

"We decided we would have four weeks to advertise this. Any sooner and people forget, plus it would be too expensive."

Posters and banners will now publicise the event, he stressed.

He added: "Somebody said why don't you put the money towards cleaning up the town - but we wouldn't have got the money for that reason."

A total of £11,000 has been raised so far through sponsorship.

A special limited edition commemorative programme for the event will also be printed, price £2.50.

Mr Jerman said: "It's full steam ahead!"

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