Distinct lack of goodwill on the evening (From Stroud News and Journal)

Distinct lack of goodwill on the evening

TRADERS have condemned Stroud Goodwill Evening as an intimidating event overrun by drunken yobs and tacky stalls.

The chamber of trade called for an overhaul of the annual event's image when it met last Wednesday.

Crumbs Sandwich Bar and Diner boss Shaun McKissick said: "I thought it was very poor. The town was overrun by drunken yobs. As for a police presence - there may well have been a police presence but not around here."

Event newcomer Holly Cooke, of Kendrick Street Gallery said: "I felt very under siege. I just had swarms of kids around me all evening. It was very intimidating and there were no police in sight.

"People seemed out not to shop but out for fun. "I thought it would be slightly more leisurely. It seemed frantic."

Sixty shops and businesses took part in the December event organised by town managers, councillors and fringe festival representatives at a cost of around £4,000.

Aware that later in the evening there were "large groups of young people running around being silly, town centre manager Vicky Hancock said: "It can be intimidating to other customers and needs to be addressed."

She is to meet with police and youth services to discuss traders' concerns as well as circulating a questionnaire in the next town centre newsletter asking what shape the event should take in future.

Miss Hancock pointed out that a three-year agreement with the funfair providers had now expired. Members appeared to have little enthusiasm for its return.

Town mayor Cllr Kevin Cranston called for a scaled down event. He said: "In previous years I've noticed the stalls getting tackier.

"Maybe the social dynamic has changed in the last 15 years so that 11-year-olds are allowed to run riot. We will probably have to take account of the change.

"Just get it back to shops, carefully vetted stalls and make it abundantly clear in the run up to it that there will be no funfair.

"We have to get the message across that it's not a night for rampaging around but for Christmas shopping."

Acting chamber of trade chairman Rob Fear, manager of HSBC, said: "We've certainly got to deal with the image of the event. "We need to get our idea and really aim high."

Merrywalks owner Bill Wrather suggested a family-oriented themed event along French lines, with animals and medieval costumes but then added doubtfully: "Maybe I'm being a bit romantic for Stroud."

Ms Cooke said: "It is a fantastic opportunity to trade. That is what I thought it was going to be but it was not and that is what I found very frustrating."