The town’s Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee agreed that the fireworks should be cancelled.

The traditional marking of Remembrance Day with its church service, parade and ceremony at the War Memorial won’t be possible, but following the successful event recently organised by Churches Together in the long stay car park, a similar ‘drive in’ event may be feasible.

At the last meeting of the committee it was suggested that district councillors should request the use of the main car park and that large television screens be deployed so that everyone could see what was happening. It was felt that any parade should be restricted solely to those intending to lay wreaths. It may be possible to live-stream the parade and wreath laying to the screens in the car park.

Since the meeting, the Mayor Cllr Tony Ring has discussed the idea with the Rev Terry Roberts who was enthusiastic in his support.

The committee agreed that preparations for a market should continue as originally planned but they would look at perhaps bringing the event forwards to start mid-morning rather than in the afternoon.

The Santa’s Grotto and a parade/organised light switch on and mass gathering in Market Place won’t be possible.  However, the official light switch on could be filmed and put out on social media.

Father Christmas might also be able to do virtual ‘shout outs’ to local Ringwood children.

The Window Display Competition will go ahead.