IT’S no great shock that one in three parents would be happy if Halloween next weekend didn’t exist.

In a Mumsnet survey, they say they are forced to spend hard-earned money on outfits. They don’t like children stuffing themselves with so many sweets and they don’t like them wandering about in the dark.

The popular anniversary means eggs or flour thrown at houses as part of the “treating”. As a result, many families simply opt out of celebrations.

Harmless fun for all is usually something to be welcomed.

Unfortunately, Halloween is now too pressured, too commercial and altogether too scary.