Residents are questioning whether in the face of an energy and cost of living crisis we need Christmas decorations to light up the high street.

Some councils in Surrey, Devon and Cambridgeshire have announced they are axeing lights, saying they can not justify the spending in the current economic climate.

Last year's switch-on in Witney was jointly organised by the Witney Rotary Club, Witney Lions and Witney Round Table, and supported by Witney Town Council which spends £35,000 a year on Christmas lights and trees.

Huge crowds descended on Market Square for the family-friendly event featuring live music, stalls, Santa’s Grotto, food and a funfair.

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A poster on Witney Spotted asked: "What are people's thoughts about cancelling the Christmas lights this year? (bit in the face of those who can't afford to heat their homes)

"In its place perhaps the council could decorate the Corn Exchange, using lights they already have to make it magical for children and a warm place for people to sit. Perhaps a free cup of tea."

Another poster agreed: "Your point is perfectly valid - we cannot watch our council burn through money, while we are cold and our houses are dim."

A third added: "I think it needs to be looked at as I don’t think I want to pay more on my council tax next year to fund the Christmas lights. I have far better things to spend my money on!"

However, most said they could not face a Christmas without decorations and, if people could not afford much festivity at home, there was all the more reason to have colour and light in the town.

One poster said through history, pubs and music halls have been cheap and popular  places to congregate "because they were bright, cheerful and loud.

"Anyway, the Xmas lights are a great leveller and should stay. With a careful budget and use of resources, there's no reason Witney can't shine despite the economic turmoil xxx"

Another agreed: "So what, we sit in our cold dark homes and then go out onto dark not festive streets for Xmas shopping? I think it should be the opposite. Shine bright in the face of adversity."

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Several said allocating money to Christmas lights would never be allowed to impact essential services.

"It would just add an even darker turn to a cold dark winter, " they said. "Keep the lights, it’s Christmas and brings a lot of joy to children and people in Witney."

Last year Witney Town Council took out a contract with a new Christmas lights supplier and this year's lights have been pre-ordered and included in the budget for the duration of the three-year contract.

Chair of Stronger Communities, Cllr Owen Collins, said: "The £35,120 that the Town Council spends on Christmas lights is broadly typical of a town of Witney's size, and in our case covers not only the lights and trees themselves, but the storage, installation, associated infrastructure and maintenance.

"It also allows us to offer the bespoke decoration designed by the winner of our popular children's Christmas light competition (for which we seek business sponsorship each year along with our two trees, to further offset costs).

"Our new LED lights also include timers, ensuring they are in keeping with the Council's climate action commitments, without compromising on the festivities!

"We're keenly aware of the feedback the Council received in 2020, when there was a scaled-back display due to the Covid pandemic, and the end of our contract.

"People rightly pointed out that the town's Christmas display provided some light relief (pun intended) in the darkness of winter, and as the days shorten once again, we hope that this year's display will give our community something to look forward to, and help to provide some brightness, magic and hope after another difficult year."

 

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