Calne town clerk Linda Roberts has written a damning report about the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

In her report to the Town Events Working Group Mrs Roberts criticises the lack of communication between her council and Calne Area Initiative for an Active Community, poor advertising of the event, lack of crowd controls, the lack of proper risk assessment and poor organisation.

Mrs Roberts says: “Many people have commented that the organisation at the beginning and the end of the parade was poor. This must be tightened.

“Communication is a real problem. The town council and CAIAC must form firm and open communication links. It must be remembered this is a joint event.

“We all need to be sure that every event is covered by insurance. The safety of the public is of paramount importance, and the reputation of CAIAC and the town council must be protected. Lack of a proper risk assessment could result in insurance claims, which could raise the premium charges for any such event.”

In her recommendations she says that only one group should have overall control, more barriers should be used, an exact timetable provided and any dealings with the press should be with the knowledge of the town council and CAIAC.