HALSTEAD Town Council has been forced to cancel more events planned for 2020 as it looks set to pay out more than £9,000 in refunds.

Councillors held an online meeting on Monday when the decision was made to cancel the two remaining coach trip outings for over-60s, scheduled for September and October.

Concerns were raised over safety and older residents being unlikely to feel safe sitting on a crowded coach.

In March, councillors cancelled three trips planned for May, June and July because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The council has confirmed ticket holders will be refunded a total of £9,164.

As a result of this week’s meeting, the upcoming Beavers concert on Sunday, August 16, has also been called off.

Councillors hope the event, which was expected to pack out Halstead Public Gardens, will now take place next year.

Reasons for the event’s cancellation include safety over mass gatherings and fears that ticket sales would not cover the cost of the band.

More than 500 people were expected to attend with planning for the event already going ahead.