Christmas lights cut across the UK

Last year the budgets for Christmas lights were reduced, dampening the festive cheer in towns across the UK.

This year many Christmas light displays will be cut completely, turning festive cheer in to festive fear for local traders.

Not only are Christmas lights important to communities in terms of festive celebrations, but they also play a key role in any town’s retail success over the holiday period.

However, the austerity measures of the past year have meant towns and communities will lack sparkle this Christmas.

Surrey Christmas lights

Addlestone and New Haw in Surrey will be left without Christmas decorations and lights this year due to council cuts. Councillors have had to re-allocate the annual Christmas kitty, as they try to make up a budget shortfall following cuts from central government.

Devon Christmas lights

There will be no Christmas lights in Exmouth either this year. Traders have failed to contribute to the council’s Christmas light fund, leaving them unable to foot the bill alone. Councillors in Exmouth are taking a stand against apathetic traders by refusing to pay the bill themselves.

Somerset Christmas lights

Meanwhile in Somerset, it’s the traders who are fighting for the lights. The Burnham Chamber of Trade, have said even if the annual membership fees of all its 100 members went towards the lights, they would still be £3,000 short of their £7,000 target.

Just along the coast in Portishead, the Christmas lights committee is also having financial difficulties. To quell their troubles they have launched a textile recycling drive with the aim of raising £1,000 for the lights, which attract hundreds of visitors from across the South West.

Xmas lights in Scotland

Further north in Scotland, the people of Castle Douglas may be without Christmas lights too as £1,700 normally spent on the lights is simply non existent, according to the town’s community initiative which works hard to raise the funds.

Initiative treasurer Martin Fortnum said: “It is extremely disappointing as right now bringing the lights to the town this year looks unlikely. A substantial amount of money is required to rent everything and cover the different costs.”

With the countdown to Christmas ticking away in the background, contact your local council to see how your area might be affected this year. With 113 days to go there may still be time to get involved and make a difference.