The chair of Cam Parish Council has defended the village's Christmas lights event after criticism from a fellow councillor.

In a now deleted Facebook post Cllr Paul Powell said the feedback from the event was that it was 'very low key and a lot of people were disappointed'.

Cllr Christina Carter, chair of the council, said the event was 'lovely' but hopes a new group will be formed to help organise it in future.

Cllr Powell also called for an association to be formed to take on the job of organising the event.

His post was widely decried when it was shared in the Dursley Natters Facebook group. Accusations that Cllr Powell's objection to the road closures put in place for previous events were responsible for volunteers stepping down from the organising committee have been denied by the council.

A spokeswoman said: "Cam Parish Council has never objected to the road closure for the Christmas event.

"They were made aware of an individual complaint made in October 2018. As a result of the concerns raised, Cam Parish Council worked closely with the Cam Traders Association to alleviate concerns with the provision of increased road support making the 2018 event a huge success.

"The event this year, although smaller, was well attended with the lights switched on, the craft fair and the Grotto enjoyed by many. No road closure was requested this year due to the smaller scale event.

"The Parish Council wishes to express its thanks to everyone who worked so hard to hold the event and would like to appeal to residents and businesses to get in touch with the office in the New Year to make a start on the 2020 switch on plans.

"Cam Parish Council recognises all the hard work in previous years made by the Traders Association and welcomes the prospect of continued co-operative working with them and the residents of Cam to create an even better event next year.

Cllr Carter added: "Cam Parish Council supports the Cam Christmas event every year by providing the gorgeous lights and grants for the Christmas trees which bring so much festive cheer to our village centre.

"It was a lovely event this year but I can understand that people want as big an event as possible and our hope is that a new community and traders group will be formed in the New Year to bring together the drive that is needed to achieve that.

"Arrangements take time and patience but those who have been at the helm of previous Cam Christmas events say it is so worthwhile when the cheers go up for the lights on at 4 o’clock!"