SHOPPERS have told of their shock after an iconic Christmas market was AXED after 40 years.
Lincoln’s Christmas market was due to start this weekend – but has been cancelled over safety fears.
RexPunters enjoy the Christmas market in Lincoln[/caption]
AlamyCouncillors said the event had become too popular and was a risk to public safety[/caption]
After attracting 320,000 people last year, local councillors say it’s now too popular and has become a risk to public safety.
Council leaders said no amount of money could make the event safe and a motion to bring back the market was rejected by the council on Tuesday leaving local businesses fuming.
Local business owners and shoppers have now told of their disappointment.
Local Tory MP Karl McCartney added: “It’s absolutely outrageous, it is cultural and economic vandalism.
“The financial pain this will inflict on local businesses and charities will be catastrophic. It is real-life nightmare before Christmas stuff.”
Rachel Whittaker who runs a photography studio told MailOnline: “It is so sad, people can’t believe it, they’re astonished.
“It’s bizarre. Other places would fall over themselves to have a December weekend where hundreds of thousands of people are walking around your city, eating, drinking, shopping, having a brilliant time – and spending their money.
“And we are saying we don’t want that? It makes no sense. This is the very thing that makes Lincoln so special at Christmas.”
A ‘Save Lincoln Christmas market’ Facebook page has been formed with over 2,700 members and locals debating whether the event should be kept.
“Solve the problem not cancel the market it’s like people cannot be bothered to sit down and work the problem out,” posted Neil Crowther.
Why do they allow lots and lots of people to gather on the night of the Christmas light switch on but not for a Christmas market, it’s just bizarre,” posted Emma Room.
Ric Metcalfe, leader of the council, said: “We understand some people’s disappointment that Lincoln Christmas Market is no more.
“However, we simply could not continue delivering an event that has been deemed a significant risk to public safety.”
AlamyTwo women standing behind a Christmas market stall[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
