A POPULAR four-day Christmas market in a North-East town has been postponed over weather fears, causing frustration for traders.

It was originally announced that the market, which was due to be held in Darlington from December 5 to 8, has been cancelled because high winds are forecast for the first day.

Darlington Borough Council posted a tweet on Wednesday (December 4) afternoon, confirming the cancellation.

It read: “Unfortunately the Christingle Market has been cancelled due to high winds and gusts forecast for Thursday.”

That was later changed to a postponement, with the market hastily rearranged for December 12 to 15 – weather permitting.

It is understood the town’s usual markets will continue as normal.

Darlington’s four-day Christmas market is traditionally a popular event, bringing in shoppers from around the region.

One trader, who did not wish to be named, questioned why the entire four-day event had to be postponed when adverse weather was only expected on one of the days.

Council leader Bill Dixon said it was better to be safe than sorry.

He said: “No one would have thanked us if someone had been horribly injured – or worse – as a result of setting up the market in high winds.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure, added: “After consulting with market traders, we have taken the decision to postpone the Christingle Market .

“Traders would have been unable to set up for the market in the high winds forecast and it was considered that shoppers may avoid shopping in bad weather.

“We hope by postponing until next week to offer four good days of markets and to welcome lots of people.”

Saturday (December 7) is ‘Small Business Saturday’ a Government initiative to help increase footfall and raise awareness of small businesses in the town.