The organiser of a town's Christmas lights switch-on event says he left his post due to online abuse he faced.

Nigel Hadlow had been chairman of the Holt Christmas lights switch-on team and says he resigned after facing online abuse in a Facebook forum.

News of the abuse he faced came as the town's annual festive event was cancelled “due to a lack of engagement and financial challenges”.

Mr Hadlow said his resignation was down to him being personally affected by the abuse he faced.

A display from a previous yearA display from a previous year (Image: Lloyd Birch)

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Mr Hadlow said: “I recently stepped down as chair of the 2024 Christmas Lights switch-on event.

"This decision was not taken lightly and was influenced by several significant factors.

“I have been subjected to instances of abuse in a Holt community group on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, the instances of online abuse I have faced during recent months has raised concerns about the feasibility of continuing this event without adequate support.

“This abuse has caused significant personal distress, leading to my resignation as the leader of the 2024 Holt Lights Committee back in June.

“Despite numerous calls for community involvement, no one came forward to take on this critical volunteer-led role.

“Furthermore, I am mindful of the challenging economic times we are all facing and need to ensure that our limited resources are utilised responsibly."

READ MORE: Holt Christmas light switch on 2024 has been cancelled

In a breakdown of the figures Mr Hadlow said that the 2023 event "incurred a total expenditure of £11,014, with a shortfall of £3,676".

The shortfall was covered by donations from the Holt Sunday Market.

Mr Hadlow added: “I am committed to ensuring that the festive spirit remains alive in Holt.

"The two main Christmas trees, along with the small-lit trees throughout the town, will still be displayed in partnership with local businesses."

Tensions had been running high in the town due to divisions over the suggested introduction of a Holt BID scheme, which Mr Hadlow is the administrator for.  

BID schemes create a defined area in which all firms must pay a levy, in addition to business rates, which is used to fund things like flowerbeds, street cleaning and events, to bring in more visitors.