A controversial Christmas Market which was branded a “fiasco” last year will not return to Perth, The Courier can confirm.
A controversial Christmas Market which was branded a “fiasco” last year will not return to Perth, The Courier can confirm.
Arranged as part of last year’s Winter Festival programme, the event attracted fierce criticism from some local shopkeepers and market traders, who claimed it had cost them money.
It was also slammed by localpoliticians, including CouncillorAlexander Stewart, one of the PerthCity South representatives, whosaid he was unsurprised the “fiasco” wouldn’t be returning.
The Courier understands that Paul Leonard, of Cottage Industries Association, who ran the Christmas Market for the traders, is still considering legal action against Perth and KinrossCouncil after claiming he had “lostthousands” of pounds of income over its duration.
He said the matter is in the hands of a Scottish barrister.
Last year’s Christmas Market got off to a bad start when it was launched a day late following complaints about access to shops because of the positioning of the wooden chalets in Perth’s High Street.
Matters deteriorated further when it was discovered that one of the traders was selling lock-knives.
Mr Leonard denounced the organisation of the Christmas Market and vowed never to return to Perth.
At the time, he said: “As a business this market has crucified me. I’ve lostthousands of pounds.
“Everything is down to there being no consultation. I definitely won’t be back here.”
Mr Stewart said hesupported the council’s decision and claimed the Christmas Market had caused “nothing but complaints and concerns.”
“I am pleased the council has listened to these concerns and decided that this year they won’t repeat the fiasco,” he said.
“We should be doing all we can tosupport our city during the festive period but surely there must be better ways to do it which will fit in with the size and nature of Perth?”
Perth and Kinross Council’s common good fund committee will this weekdiscuss this year’s Winter Festivalprogramme but it doesn’t include the Christmas Market.
A council spokesperson said the Christmas Market “does not fit” into their plans for Perth’s festiveseason.
“For 2015, there will not be aChristmas Market in Perth,” she said.
“However, the ever popular Perth farmers’ markets and craft markets will be held every Saturday in King Edward Street between November 28 and December 19.
“There will be a diverse range of events and activities this year and the market does not fit into those plans.“
She added “no further contact” had come from Mr Leonard or his barrister regarding legal action.