DEVIZES Development Partnership is to hold a meeting with town traders after a Chamber of Commerce survey discovered dissatisfaction with the town's Christmas market.

The market, held on the last Friday in November, attracted a large number of people to the town centre.

But a majority of traders questioned by the Chamber described the quality of the event as "poor" or "could be better".

The survey was not comprehensive, as only 30 of the 150 questionnaires distributed were completed and returned.

Although all the respondents wanted an event to mark the switching on of the town's Christmas lights, only one thought the market was "very good" and the quality of the market stalls was described as "awful" and "dreadful".

One trader remarked: "I am afraid to say that the Devizes Christmas Market is a load of old tat". Some traders wanted to see more "quality" something more like the Christmas market in Bath while

others would like to see a return to the medieval theme of earlier years.

One trader remarked: "I felt the quality of stalls at the market this year was poor and would like to see a Christmas event driven more by entertainment than 'shopping'.

"I think that there is a real opportunity to create a special event at this time of year, which should be able to promote Devizes and its fascinating history."

The survey also uncovered dissatisfaction with the quality of the Christmas lights. One trader says the town's display needs a complete rethink.

Sue Rasey, the Chamber's public relations officer who organised the survey, said: "There is an overwhelming agreement on the need for an event.

"However, the responses show that the majority consider that the form of the event needs thorough reconsideration. The event needs stage managing with an enthusiasm that is inclusive."

Peter Lay, chairman of the Devizes Development Partnership, which is responsible for organising the market, said: "It has become clear that we need to revisit the question of the Christmas market and, to this end, we have organised a meeting next month to work through the possibilities.

"I hope this will be a brainstorming session on what we want the event to be, rather than complaining about what its current shortcomings are."

The meeting will take place in the town hall on February 16.

The former chairman of the Development Partnership Alex Duffey, who is responsible for the Christmas market, was unavailable for comment.

But following the last Christmas market in November, he told the Gazette that the current market set-up drew a lot of people to the town centre.

It had raised a lot of cash that went towards improving the Christmas lights display.

He said: "Though we didn't have as many people as last year, it was still a very successful event.

"We have learned from our mistakes, as we do each year, and next year will be even better than ever."

Mr Duffey has little time for those who yearn for a medieval fair as, apart from a few jugglers and stiltwalkers, there has been little medieval content in the event for quite some time.

He also defends mounting the event through market organisers Hughmark.

He insists that Hughmark attracts traders from all over the country and says it would be very difficult to make a profit without the company's help.