More support from Maldon traders is needed to safeguard the future of the town's popular Victorian Evenings.

For the past 14 years the late night shopping events have been a hit with visitors, but response from traders themselves has been less enthusiastic in recent years, says the chamber of trade which organises the event.

Now, to ensure the events can continue, the chamber is asking the town's 150 traders for their views on the evenings and ways to improve them.

"The support from the public is great and growing," said chamber chairman, Chris Tibballs. "Some of the traders also find it is a great evening. They make a lot of contacts and promote themselves to encourage people to come back.

"But we are somewhat disappointed. The involvement of the shops is very weak."

Mr Tibballs vowed this year's event on December 9 and 16 will go ahead as planned. The chamber also needs a new organiser for the evenings to replace Doreen Francis-Ewen, who wants to stand down. Anyone interested can contact Mr Tibballs on 01621 855429.

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