ALMOST 300 people have put their names to an online petition calling for the revival of plans for a Christmas fair.

Save Clitheroe Christmas Fair had been signed by 290 people by yesterday afternoon after being set up on Wednesday in response to Ribble Valley Borough Council’s decision to refuse permission for the event.

The original plan by Lancashire Bites was to hold a Christmas music and market event on the Castle Field from Wednesday, December 2 to Sunday, December 6.

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The proposals, which included around 50 food and craft stalls, a beer tent and space for music and an ice rink, were turned down with councillors saying it would impact on local trade and clash, date-wise, with the Whalley Pickwick Festival.

Many people from across the county and beyond have signed the petition and expressed disappointment at the decision.

Carol Arrowsmith from Clitheroe said: “It would have been a great boost for the town, bringing lots of people from outside areas.

“A good boost for retail and also great for the Clitheroe community.”

Lucy McLean said: “It’s a barmy decision to cancel what could have been a magical event for all.

“I was really looking forward to keeping it local and bringing the kids to something amazing in town.”

And Jemma Green from Clitheroe said: “What a brilliant way of putting Clitheroe on the map.

“Something for families to look forward to and enjoy and an excellent way to show off Clitheroe’s attributes.”

The Clitheroe Chamber of Trade said critics had rounded on the organisation on social media, accusing it of influencing the decision not to have the festival.

President Daniel Williams said: “We are generally in support of a festive event that would bring people to the town and that elements of the one proposed would have been great.

“We took no part in the ensuing debate amongst councillors and had no say in the final vote.

“We did have three concerns – the amount of stalls, the entertainment and the entrance fee, but these were also expressed by other parties, not just us.

“I can assure everyone we will be putting a free event on in the town centre on Saturday, December 5.”