CHRISTMAS loving Ledbury traders have been left wondering this week whether their attempt to bring festive joy and visitors to the town will be scuppered by red tape.

At the time of going to press, Herefordshire Council had still not given the green light for a road closure in New Street for a Tudor Christmas event, on Saturday December 2.

But Herefordshire Council has suggested moving the event from New Street, which has various listed half-timbered buildings including The Talbot Hotel, to a small section of Bye Street instead, where there are no half-timbered buildings.

The council's concern over a New Street event concerns issues of access, including the need for large vehicles to access the Worcester Road via Top Cross.

Herefordshire Council is asking for further information about the event, while traders insist that New Street is the perfect location for a Tudor-themed festive celebration.

Organiser and event funder, New Street trader Helen Moody of Enchant and Allure, said: "A Tudor event would be vastly enhanced with the Tudor looking buildings that we could dress accordingly.

"Moreover, there are several lively businesses in New Street that join in with the festivities. Bye Street unfortunately does not offer the aesthetics required."

The hold-up means that entertainers Miss Moody has booked for the event are also effectively on hold, and she fears that some may now seek alternative bookings, in what is a very busy time of year for them. And Miss Moody could still end up paying out.

She said, in her response to Herefordshire Council: "I have also booked professional entertainers, jesters, fire-breathers, and the 'Lord of Misrule' that renders me liable for their fees; not to mention messing several stallholders around and disappointing numerous members of the public who have already got their costumes and made plans to join us."

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "An application has been made to close New Street in Ledbury for a Christmas festival.

"We are currently working with the organisers to obtain further details before assessing whether the closure notice can be granted.”

Ironically, New Street will be the location for 'Halloween Fest' on October 28, from 1pm, and this will involve a road closure that has already been rubber-stamped by Herefordshire Council.

This event, set to bring hundreds of visitors from far and wide to Ledbury, has also been organised by Miss Moody - with proceeds going to Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue.

Attractions will include an owl display, a Halloween party, live music and a hog roast.

There will also be belly-dancing witches, a ghost train and a Halloween market.

Another highlight will be a pumpkin-lit parade.