ORGANISERS have decided to go ahead with this year’s Christmas light switch-on in Clacton.

Clacton Town Partnership’s chairman threatened to pull the plug on the annual event after kicking up a stink over Tendring Council’s decision to place portable loos on the town square.

The loos have been installed on the square while refurbishments take place to the town’s Rosemary Road toilets.

The temporary loos were due to remain until December 21 when the works were set to be completed, but it now understood the project is ahead of schedule and the temporary facilities may be removed earlier.

But following discussions with the district council, Graham Webb, chairman of the group, said the Christmas event on December 1 will now go ahead.

He said: “After a very constructive meeting, it has been decided to go ahead with the Christmas light switch on event.

“We hope the toilets will be finished by then and the temporary ones removed from the square, but if not, we have a solution that will minimise any disruption from them.

“Fourteen acts have been booked and I am waiting on two more - this will be our biggest line up ever.

“Switching on the lights will be Marcus Collins, from the X Factor, and his fellow pantomime stars.

“We will have stalls, inflatable games, face painting, glitter tattoos, bubbles, snow, mini lasers and an illuminated robot man.

“Santa will be there and the stage has been booked.

“Let’s make this a great day for everyone to enjoy.”

Mr Webb had previously said the “disgusting portaloos” and the growing number of drinkers they have attracted to the town square would “not be conducive to a family event”.