Councillors raised safety concerns about the Alderley market and questioned whether it is truly a community event. Coun Frank Keegan said he was that pedestrians could not use all the pavement on London Road.

Organiser Christine Munro wanted to close the road but did not get permission from the council. She said the police had no complaints.

At  Monday’s  parish council meeting Coun Mary Mackzowiak said:  “I don’t understand how someone can hold an event in the village when it wasn’t a proper community event.” Mike Williamson, chairman, said: “It’s not a recognised community organisation, it was the Sunday market moved on to the street and they are not local stallholders. I support anything which brings people in, but we want a better understanding. I will talk to Christine.”

Christine Munro said:  “Local shopkeepers I’ve spoken to had a fabulous day. Prestbury and Knutsford have excellent Christmas events supported by the local councils but unfortunately we didn’t get this. Maybe in the future the council will consider a similar event worthwhile and discuss with us how we can go forward. The only complaints have been from the council. It’s a pity they didn’t help me with the closure of the road. We provided a free event, the council certainly won’t be able to offer the same and I don’t think the people of Alderley would like to pay for this in their council tax.”

Coun Matthew Lloyd said he also had safety concerns about the lights switch-on at The Parade earlier this month.  Mitch Gilbert, who organises that with Alderley Action Group, said: “It annoys me when the council discuss something like this without talking to the people who run the event. The Parade is a good venue as we don’t have to pay to close the road. This year we had an extra car to bring in the celebrity and there were not enough barriers but we never usually have problems with safety.

“We are happy to work with the council if they come to us.”