HALSTEAD Town Team may have officially disbanded, but a successor to take a lead role in the organisation of the Christmas Fair has been found.

The decision to disband the town team was made at the group’s annual meeting in March, before being confirmed at a special general meeting in April.

Concerns were raised over the future of the fair, one of the town’s prime events, but the Chamber of Trade pledged its support as a catalyst for the event.

Now an organiser has been found in Robin Greatorex.

Town Mayor, Shirley Diver, said: “It is excellent that the Christmas Fair will continue, and an organiser has been found.

“Robin brings a lot of experience in event planning, and it will be exciting to see what he does.

“It can be extremely useful to have an outside viewpoint, and Robin will bring that.

“The town council will work closely with Robin, as well as the Chamber of Trade.”

The Town Team insisted the decision had nothing to do with finances, but was the result of poor backing and a lack of enthusiasm from both residents and retailers.

A Halstead Town Team statement read: “As a team, we do feel that Halstead Town Team had some great achievements and we hope that our legacy will continue to ensure that Halstead remains the great town which we all love.

“To this end, the Christmas Fair will be organised in 2017 by Robin Greatorex on behalf of Halstead Town Council working with the Halstead Chamber of Trade. We hope you will support them in their endeavours.

“Our remaining funds will be transferred to Halstead Town Council in due course and will be ring-fenced for use to benefit Halstead town centre.”