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JUST a third of Maldon's High Street businesses have pledged their support for the town's popular Victorian Evenings.

Only 77 of the 196 companies bothered to reply to a survey organised by the Victorian Evening Committee - but the response has been described as "typical of the support" the event receives.

A committee spokesman said that, of the 77 businesses that replied, 68 said they supported the Victorian Evenings which was described as "most encouraging".

But Mike Gutteridge, a committee member who conducted the survey with wife Pam, said: "I was quite disappointed with the number of responses we got.

"However, other members who have been involved with the event for a long time said they were not surprised.

"It is typical of the support we receive for the Victorian Evenings generally.

"The organising committee is made up of volunteers and we rely on sponsorship from businesses to fund it but only a few companies actually contribute.

"Some of the businesses still get their staff to dress up and decorate the shop but most don't bother anymore."

He added: "It is a shame because we get up to 5,000 people coming to the town on each of the nights.

"I have also been told that some business people don't think they benefit much because they have to pay staff to come in for the two evenings and they don't get many people coming in."

Those who did respond to the survey, though, agreed a visit to the Victorian Evenings - held on the first two Thursdays of December - is well worth the effort.

It was suggested that the Victorian theme should be highlighted more by the shops, stallholders and in the entertainment programme but concerns about "discordant activity" such as flashing neon lights were raised.

Other suggestions included using local stalls and entertainers from around the district, to support the local economy.

* This year's Victorian Evenings will be on December 4 and 11.

For more information, or to get involved, call Chris Tibballs on 01621 841063, email cjtibballs@btinternet.com or write to PO Box 2485, Maldon, Essex, CM9 7FZ.

11:34am Monday 4th August 2008

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