A DECISION by Grayshott Parish Council to ban a Christmas market on the green in the centre of the village has come as a bombshell to local organisers.

The much-heralded festive market, an important event in the village calendar, is set to be the biggest and best so far. It was due to take place on Lyndon Green at the end of the month to coincide with the switch-on of the village's 20,000 shimmering Christmas lights display.

But the parish council's recreation and amenities committee turned down a request from Grayshott's Buy In Grayshott Campaign, (BIG) for the market to be held on the green, forcing the organisers to relocate it.

"Obviously the news came as a bombshell," said the chairman of BIG, Dick Smith.

"It almost seems that the council is working against the community. However the Fox and Pelican jumped to the rescue and offered the use of its garden for the event.

"We were informed last Saturday that Grayshott Parish Council had banned us from using the green as it may get trampled on and that the grass might die, even though it is a public place which people can run around at will at any time."

He added that despite recent heavy rainfall, more than 5,000 people had descended on the nearby recreation ground last week, to enjoy both the village firework spectacular and fairground attractions, without any problems.

"That ground has been well trampled each year and yet the grass has not suffered," declared Mr Smith.

The vice-chairman of BIG and managing director of Grayshott Pottery, Phil Bates, also hit out at the decision by the committee to ban the market on the green, originally chosen because of its location to forge links between the two shopping streets in the village, Crossways Road and Headley Road.

"If the recreation and amenities committee had been on the ball ity would have agreed to this request," said an angry Mr Bates.

And he believed the concerns of the committee could be met with a proviso to cover any damage to the green.

"Let's face it, grass is very durable. Are they now going to ban people celebrating New Year's Eve on Grayshott's other green or do they intend to fence it off to prevent people from using it? We wait with baited breath," continued Mr Bates.

"I believe the committee has taken a negative stance and has not thought things through.

"What they think is good for Grayshott is in fact the opposite in this case. They have come up with a decision that both disadvantages and alienates the village.

"It is all about trying to understand the village aspirations and needs and taking small risks. In this case a few small blades fo grass may be damaged."

And he believed that the final decision on the Lyndon Green Christmas market should not have been made by a committee.

"Is this how democracy works in Grayshott? Should not a decision like this be taken by the full council anyway and not the three or four people on a committee who act as if they are representing the views of the whole village?"

But speaking this week, parish council chairman Clive Slaughter defended the decision. He said councillors had been concerned that the proposed event on Saturday, November 27, would be taking place at a time when it was wet underfoot, giving the grass no time to recover during a non-growing season.

Mr Slaughter added: "There is also only one place to take power on to Lyndon Green and we were concerned that running a cable around the green could create health and safety issues, especially if someone was to fall over."

He said that Christmas late-night shopping events had previously been held in The Square, taking lights from shops or using gas lights.

"I'm rather disappointed they are taking this attitude," said Mr Slaughter.

The market will now open at 4-30 pm in the garden of the Fox and Pelican in Headley Road and coincide with the switching on of the village Christmas lights.

Heading the team of market organisers, Ann Myers told The Herald that the event would be going ahead as usual despite the setback. "We are very grateful to David and Clair at the Fox and Pelican for stepping in to offer the garden."

As well as around 20 stalls, there will be a hog roast, hot chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies.

It is also hoped that pupils from Grayshott Primary School will join in the festival fun singing Christmas songs and carols.