Concern raised over cost of Christmas window competition

Some retailers are reluctant to enter Newtown's annual Christmas window competition because of the cost of buying displays for it.

Cllr Kackie Davies told colleagues at a meeting of the town council's Resources Committee this week that having a theme for the competition meant retailers often had to buy specific items for their displays.

The competition takes place during November in the lead up to the annual Kicking Off Christmas event in the town centre when the town's Christmas lights are switched on.

"Some of them can't afford to buy items to do the theme. Would you judge them if they just did their own thing," she said. "They don't want to buy new products."

Cllr Richard Edwards said they would judge them. He added that they can also take part in the spot the elf competition where shops hide a toy elf in their window for people to find as part of another competition.

Last year some businesses claimed they had not been visited by judges. Cllr Thomas said this year all shops could enter online and they would also receive acknowledgement of judges visiting them.

"We will be leaving a card with them when they've been judged," he said.