TOWN centre shops in Watchet are set to be without their traditional illuminated Christmas trees for the festive season due to a lack of helpers to put them up.

The trees have been put up and dressed by chamber of commerce members and friends for the past 15 years, but only one person has this time offered to help chairman John Richards.

Mr Richards said: “Despite multiple requests for help, I can only get one person out of our 80 members to help.

“I am very apologetic to the people of Watchet that they are going to be let down.

“With the state of the shops in Watchet at the moment, I am despondent.”

Mr Richards said he appreciated it required a day’s commitment to put up the trees because each one took about 15 minutes to dress, and then there was the travelling in between.

More time was needed in January when they were taken down, which last Christmas was done by just Mr Richards and his wife.

He said: “It used to be a party atmosphere with a group of members and friends getting together but it has just died away over the years.”

The tradition started with a few shops and gradually grew until last year 82 trees adorned the town’s businesses.

Mr Richards said if people still wanted to see the trees this Christmas they should call him on 07836239932 or email [email protected] but it would be difficult because they would need to be ordered in time.