Ashford on the Map gets multi-storey venue

The Brooklands College tennis courts are out of bounds while the college is being redeveloped and - while organisers looked for a suitable alternative location - they kept coming up against brick walls.

But Spelthorne Council stepped in to offer the use of the lower ground floor of the car park for the stalls, concerts, craft displays and Santa's grotto.

Barry Muggeridge, one of the organisers, said: "We knew that it was likely we would have to move so we looked around for other venues. We decided it had to be in Church Road but having stalls on the pavements was considered too dangerous and we couldn't get the service roads shut off.

"We didn't want to cancel it and although the car park is not 100% perfect, it's the best we can do. It will be nice and we will make sure it works."

Mr Muggeridge is expecting about 30 stalls at this year's event - which will be the fifth to be held in the town - and was pleased to be told by Brooklands College that they can relocate there for the 2010 Ashford on the Map, when the college work is due to be completed.

Spelthorne Council leader Cllr John Packman said: "We wanted to help because Ashford on the Map is such a wonderful event for the community, raising substantial amounts for local clubs and organisations. The council was keen to support them for the sterling work they are doing on the part of the community.

"It's a tremendous event and I am very very proud that it has gone from strength to strength. I think it's something that people in Spelthorne look forward to attending."

Anyone interested in having a stall at the Christmas market should call Pat Amos on 01784 241673 or Barry Muggeridge on 07759 618 884.