CHRISTMAS spirit has run dry at Basildon Council this year.

The authority has controversially decided not to host a big lights switch on event - and fireworks have been cancelled for health and safety reasons.

After the “dismal failure” last year Mike Norton, a former member of the Eastgate Shopping Centre’s marketing team, fears this year will be even worse.

He said: “It seems extraordinary that a town of Basildon’s size and prominence appears to have nothing in the diary thus far to launch Christmas in the town square.

“However this wall of silence has been a trend over the past few years.

“Perhaps nothing is planned at all.

“Certainly that is something that many prospective visitors could assume.

“A mere three weeks before most Essex towns are doing something to launch the festive period there’s nowt anywhere about Basildon Town Square.

“This is about as bad as last year, when nothing happened until the last minute and it was a dismal failure.

“Contrast this decreasing amount of Christmas launch activity by the council in recent years with Matt Cardle’s appearance in the town square in 2013 - one of the best events ever held there.”

The council faced a barrage of criticism last year for the Christmas lights event, with residents complaining that there was no stage or fireworks display.

Other complaints stated the music could not be heard, the crowd were facing the wrong way when the countdown started, and a lack of festive atmosphere.

Mr Norton added: “Whatever valid reasons Basildon Council might have for all of this, Basildon residents deserve some sort of an explanation.”

Kevin Blake, chairman of the culture committee, said: “There will be no fireworks this year due to health and safety regulations, and also no stage or specific switch-on event.

"Our partners have agreed that delivering activities throughout the festive period instead will have a greater impact on local businesses and the community.

“We are working with our partners Basildon Town Centre Management, Eastgate and GoTrade to deliver a series of activities over the festive period rather than organising a one-off event this year.

“The council has invested in new Christmas lights due to dated equipment failing.

“A free-to-use ice rink and festive food and beverage village will be opening to the public from Saturday, November 17 with the lights coming on for the first time that evening.

“Real reindeer will also be making an appearance, with further entertainment to be confirmed.

“Once again a tree will also be installed in the town centre.”