COUNCILLORS in Yarm have sprung a seasonal surprise on their own chairman.

Members of the town council stunned Coun Gwen Porter when they snubbed a plan for a fun radio roadshow at a ceremony to switch on the Christmas tree lights.

Coun Porter says the move could be a big mistake and warned: "You cannot stay in the past."

A similar roadshow event last year was a huge success.

But councillors decided they would rather stick with a more traditional format for the occasion on December 1.

At last Tuesday's meeting, Coun Porter said radio station TFM had asked if it could do a repeat performance of last year's show which attracted large crowds into the High Street.

"It was such a success they said they really wanted to be involved again," said Coun Porter, who met TFM's events team and police to discuss practical arrangements. "But when the suggestions were put to the council they rejected the idea in any shape or form.

"I think we are making a mistake in snubbing the radio station, but I am only one voice and the wishes of the majority have to prevail.

"You can't stay in the past. You have to move forward. All the young people enjoyed last year's show, but the members wanted to stay with tradition."

The line-up for the lights switch-on includes carols sung by Yarm School boys' choir and, hopefully, music from Yarm Band.

Last year, the roadshow was on the opposite side of the High Street but Coun Porter had suggested a space on the same side of the road for this year's event.

"Some councillors were worried about the two parts being divided, but we could have had both," she said. "The roadshow did not have to preclude tradition and others involved could have used the radio stage."

Coun Porter said TFM had been very disappointed when told of the council's decision.

l See Spectator's Notes: page 18