CLAIMS that the county's Armed Forces Day celebrations in Ledbury could be bad for town centre trade were challenged at last week's full town council meeting.

Cllr Nick Morris said he had spoken to traders who had been "very disappointed about the information that is forthcoming", especially about the closure of town car parks during the celebration, on June 25, from 10am to 4pm.

And Cllr Morris said traders he had spoken to felt the event, which will involve a High Street closure, could be "detrimental to the town" in terms of business.

Cllr Morris said: "The issues with the shopkeepers is that they have never been consulted on these issues, and that three or four car parks should be closed."

But Cllr Tony Bradford said he was "astonished" by Cllr Morris's comments.

He said: "I have visited five shops in the town centre, all of which were looking forward to the event."

Cllr Bradford said he knew of local restaurants getting in extra staff "because of expectations".

But some traders have indeed expressed concern about the impact of Armed Forces Day.

John Nash of John Nash Antiques and Interiors, in the High Street said: "Saturday is an inappropriate day to have it. Why not have it on a Sunday? I think some businesses will close on the day. If we are sitting there all day and nobody's coming in, I will seriously think about closing. I haven't made the decision yet."

Craig McKechnie, owner of the Nice Things cafe and gift shop said traders felt they hadn't had enough information about the High Street closure, but he added:"We are looking forward to Armed Forces Day. It's good for the town. If we don't benefit, it's one of those things. It would just be a quiet day. We'll do OK."

Homend trader and town councillor, Annette Crowe said: "It one day in the year. It's a small price to pay to honour those who gave their lives for this country."

Cllr Bob Barnes, a member of the organising committee said the event "had to be in the High Street because there is a war memorial in the High Street".

Former town mayor, Allen Conway, also member of the organising committee, said: "I'm hoping there will be 5000 to 10000 people coming to Ledbury on the day. The event is bigger than the town. I feel very honoured that Ledbury has been chosen to host it.

"Shopkeepers should be looking at the positive side and saying, yes, we are going to get more new customers."

Ledbury High Street will be closed on Armed Forces Day, together with St Katherine's car park, which will be used for displays and the siting of temporary toilets.