A BUSINESSMAN says that the publicity he received after he decorated his hotel to look like a giant Christmas present has made him even more determined to be festive next Christmas.

As the Argus previously reported, Michael Currey, one of the owners of the Castle View Hotel in Bridge Street, Chepstow, said he decided to make it look festive in lieu of what he sees as any real Christmas spirit in the area.

Now, the hotel owner has said that along with other residents and business owners on Bridge Street, he will decorate the area even more extensively next December.

He said: “I didn’t really expect or want so much attention about decorating the hotel.

“All I wanted to do was decorate my hotel and that was it. I wanted to make that part of the town festive as there aren’t really any decorations up around Christmas.

“A lot of people shared the view that there isn’t much at this end of town. I called a meeting and we [the people of Bridge Street] are coming together to do something together next time.”

He said decorations for the street will be planned in advance and businesses will share ideas.

“We will make sure we do it right this time,” he added.

“I think as long as we can get it done early we can get the right go-ahead.

“We know the council are skint and do their best so I think next year if there’s no funding for it we will raise the money ourselves.”

Mr Currey’s painted red ribbon and bow went down well with most residents, but one town councillor said it looked like the English Flag.

There was also some concern over it being a listed building set in a conservation area.

But, after having a meeting with the conservation team, Mr Currey was told he had until Sunday to repaint the front of the 300-year-old building.