Traders expressed concern after Try Twickenham BID did not place a Christmas tree and festive lighting on Twickenham High Street.

Business owners have complained about the lack of street lights and a Christmas tree outside of Barclay's Bank this year - with decorations currently up in Twickenham Green instead.

The concerns mainly focus around a fear of reduced footfall due to the lack of Christmas attractions now in the High Street.

Fergus Nicolson, owner of home store Mojo, said: "It’s ridiculous, I've been trading here for twenty years and this is the first year that there are no Christmas lights - which is a real shame as the lights would have been a welcomed distraction from society's problems like Brexit and other political issues.

"There’s nothing in the centre of Twickenham - the lights are the launch pad for Christmas, it’s a family event, and I think that it's a shame this is isn’t happening this year."

Bruce Lyons, owner of Crusader Travel, added: "At late notice we were told that the Christmas tree would only be on Twickenham Green.

"I think that it's a pity Try Twickenham BID couldn't keep traders informed.

"Had we been made aware - we probably would've placed our own tree on the High Street,

"The whole point of Try Twickenham BID is promote businesses in Twickenham - if the tree is on the Green then it will be difficult for traders to make money because the main attraction has been moved and people will travel down to the Green instead of coming to the High Street."

However a Spokeswoman for Try Twickenham BID strongly denied that Christmas in Twickenham had been cancelled.

Speaking to the Richmond Times, Susan Shaw, the business and enterprise manager for Try Twickenham BID, said: "There is a fantastic family event planned for Twickenham Green on November 24, between 2-6 pm which includes stalls selling food, drink and Christmas-themed gift items like free games, stage performances including live music from Powerjam, Santa’s Grotto, a Giant Snow Globe and much more.

"The cast of the Starcatcher Productions show, Sleeping Beauty, showing at The Exchange in Twickenham will also make an appearance.

"There will also be an Christmas tree on Twickenham Green and another one outside Santander in King Street.

"The Christmas street lights are already in place, ready for switch on.

"The lights will be switched on at 5.30pm on Sunday as part of the event on Twickenham Green and the town will then look very festive.

"All of this is being organised by Try Twickenham BID on behalf of the businesses in Twickenham, as in previous years."