Village gets set to raise the festive spirits

Christmas spirit is already making its way to a village near Stourbridge after traders announced a late-night opening and live carol music event to boost custom in the run-up to the festive season.

Market stalls could also be set up in Hagley as part of the special event, which will see businesses remain open into the evening on December 9.

The special event has been organised by the recently-launched Hagley Business Association. The late-night opening aims to raise awareness of shops and services available in the village at the same time as helping traders bring in more cash.

There will also be refreshments available and performances by carol singers. Visitors will be invited to join in with the singing as they browse around the shops and stalls.

Children will also get to see Father Christmas who will be in his grotto during the event. It will be one of the first events in the village to be staged by the new business association and they are hoping it will be a success.

Spokesman Caroline Clark said: "Hagley is very lucky as we have a wide range of shops based in the heart of the village.

"We believe an event like this will help to make more people aware of what Hagley village has to offer. The late-night opening will be a real community event."

Chairman of the parish council, Steve Colella, said he was fully supportive of the idea which he hopes will give traders a boost in the tough economic times.

Councillor Colella, aged 50, said: "I think it is a very good idea. Given the fact that we are surrounded by retail parks such as Merry Hill and at Kidderminster something like this is needed to help the businesses raise their profile.

"We do have some unique outlets in Hagley and it's important we do what we can to help them thrive and encourage new businesses into the village."