THE FUNFAIR at Stroud's Goodwill Evening has been scrapped after yobbish teenagers caused mayhem at last year's event.

Preparations are under way for the annual Christmas fete on Friday, December 2, but this year there will be no funfair or rock music.

These changes were made after shopkeepers complained about the behaviour of youths last year.

Speaking after last year's evening, one shopkeeper told the SNJ she felt 'under siege', while and another claimed the town had been 'overrun by drunken yobs'.

Town centre manager Vicky Hancock, said: "A number of shopkeepers complained and said something should be done otherwise they didn't want to open late again this year.

"The youths weren't doing anything criminal they were just being rowdy and people felt it was intimidating.

"There will still be activities for teenagers, such as an under-18s night at Uptown Downtown and events at the bowling alley, but it will be centred around Merrywalks, rather than the high street.

"The idea is to make the town centre lower key and aimed at families. "We hope that the young people will still enjoy themselves - overall I'm sure there will be a better atmosphere."

She stressed that the changes were not a reflection on the funfair organisers.

Action was taken after a questionnaire was circulated to traders to find out how they wanted the event run.

The Christmas lights switch-on, late night shopping and a traditional Christmas market at the Cornhill marketplace will take place as usual.

There will also be street entertainers and carol singers.

Holly Cooke, of Kendrick Street Gallery, said: "They've done exactly the right thing. It will be a family orientated event as it was originally intended.

"I will definitely be taking part."

But Crumbs sandwich bar and diner boss Shaun McKissick has not yet decided whether he will participate.

"It remains to be seen whether the changes will make the necessary impact," he said.