Hampton Hill Christmas Procession, enjoyed by children for more than three decades, may be axed because organisers cant afford to foot the bill to close the road.

The annual procession marches through Hampton Hill High Street and is organised and performed by local groups, schools and shopkeepers.

In the past the organisers had an informal arrangement with the police to close the road during the parade.

This year the traders were told they would have to pay Richmond Council £2,000 for a traffic order if they wanted to close the road. The councils financial

situation means that it cannot waive the fee.

After discussions it was agreed that this year the parade could go ahead with a police escort but that the road would remain open.

Disappointed children

But angry parents and disappointed children said the traffic made the procession a disaster.

They said queues of cars and buses blocked their view of Santas sleigh and the busy streets made it dangerous for children to play a treasure hunt game which involved crossing the road in search of clues.

Kate Gowers, of Fearnley Crescent, whose daughter marched in the procession, said: The parade proceeded in fits and starts, simply to allow for the traffic.

Small children wanted to run and meet Santa they presented a danger to both themselves and to the drivers. The mums, dads and friends couldnt see the children. The infants missed Santa.

Organiser Roger Hitchman, who runs Burts Cycles on Hampton High Street said the procession would only take place next year if the traffic was diverted, but the committee cannot afford £2,000 to close the road.

Mr Hitchman, whose father was a founding member of the procession, said: I looked at procession this year, and thought of dad. I think this years will be the last.

A spokesman for Richmond Council said the council worked closely with the police to plan the traffic management of large events, but pledged to look at introducing suitable arrangements for the future.

By.Caroline Dutton