THE boss of one of Bournemouth’s top retailers has criticised the town’s festive market as being about “booze, burgers and tat”.

Beales chief executive Tony Brown says the town needs to be “better at Christmas” and that the market is “overrun by pop-up discounters and cheap wrapping paper sellers”.

He is pushing for a fresh approach for next year that does not involve so much alcohol but is more family focussed.

The market was introduced in recent years to help the town centre compete with Castlepoint.

But Mr Brown said: “In my view we need to create a winter wonderland for families. Instead of a big hot dog stand and pub in the Square, why not an outdoor ice rink? Move the boozers inside the bars and clubs.

“We have beautiful gardens, why not use them? Move the stalls down there and open up the main streets to open air theatre and music to try and create a fun family atmosphere, not a drunken one.

“If I look at the archives of Beales, the town used to have a wonderful Christmas parade; why not try again? Beales will play its part and I am sure I can talk to the CEOs of the major retailers for them to play theirs.”

Nigel Hedges, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said constructive criticism was welcomed.

“Beales have been core members of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade since 1916 and their views have always been valued and appreciated,” he said.

“While no-one involved in business in Bournemouth wishes to be overly self-critical, honest appraisal from all those businesses concerned is essential.

“Bournemouth Chamber and the town centre management board, which I now chair, can learn from their honest observations, continue improving our offer and bring back the 300,000 missing shoppers.”

And Roger Parker, town centre manager, said: “We aspire to improve our Christmas offer in the town centre each year and we welcome all ideas and suggestions from the town centre traders on how we can make further improvements.”

But not everyone's a critic

MOST of the Christmas market stalls were shopper-free in Bournemouth Square yesterday morning although a sizeable crowd had gathered to watch schoolchildren singing festive songs on the stage. Many passers-by said they thought the Christmas market was “festive” but admitted they had not bought anything.

Christine and John Flanders, from Ely in Cambridgeshire, said they had visited the market for the past four years, but thought the Christmas market at Bury St Edmund’s was better.

Christine said: “I like coming and having a look round. I have got eight grandchildren so hope to pick up a few items.”

John said: “It’s fine, but I think it could be a bit better.”

Mum of three, Judith Preston, 45, of Bournemouth, said: “I like it. Some of the stalls seem a bit more upmarket. I think it is quite interesting and there are a few different things than you find in the shops.”

Ottavia Moore, 17, of Bournemouth, said: “I like it. It’s unique. I think it’s suitable for all ages and nice for the family to go to.”