A TRADER has accused Malvern Town Council of trying to "close down" the town.

Lee Harrison - whose premises are directly below the council's temporary offices in Church Street - has launched a petition, protesting about Malvern's festive lights.

The festive display has already been condemned "the worst ever" and "the most tasteless garlands imaginable" by former Mayor Adrian Ward.

Malvern Town Council has spent £15,000 on new lights after MEB classed the existing set unsafe, and expressed concern about the "infrastructure" on which they would be hung.

Mr Harrison, who owns Select World Travel in Malvern's Church Street, said the town was "dying".

"The YMCA has just opened up a charity shop here," he said.

"Meanwhile the council seems to be doing its best to close down Malvern."

He said more than 50 people had signed his petition, which will be presented to town councillors next month, about the Christmas illuminations.

Critics have branded the new lights "dismal" and "tacky".

They advised Malvern Town Council to take its cue from Upton-upon-Severn if the council wanted a proper display.

But the Mayor of Malvern, Councillor David Williams, has urged people with complaints to speak with him and his colleagues "rather than whingeing to the Press".

"We've carried out surveys of people in the street and of traders, showing that people think the lights this year are better than last year's," said the Mayor.

"More than £2,000 in donations has been collected from businesses in the town, which is also better than usual."

The donated money has not been spent yet. Talks with Malvern businesses are planned in the coming weeks about how to allocate it.

"I'd say to critics, come and talk to us. We'll let you speak to put your point of view at our meetings," said Coun Williams.

The town council "could and would do better" but relied on residents' co-operation and goodwill, he added.