Christmas lights in Kings Heath the ‘worst we’ve had’

IT was once a booming event at which hundreds of families and children would come together to enjoy festive food, stalls and even a small fair.

But this year, Kings Heath Christmas lights switch-on have been slammed by locals as “the worst ever” after money from the Business Improvement District was instead ploughed into security amid crime fears.

The stripped-down illuminations were turned on at a low-key event on Sunday, December 1 – but there were reports that noone was there to watch the switch being thrown.

“Have you seen the lights this year?” asked former Kings Heath BID chair, Stan Hems, who switched on the lights at the village square.

“They are the worst we’ve ever had. They were the cheapest ever. I’ve had a lot of complaints about them.”

The 77-year-old butcher, who now runs the Business Association, said a lack of funding was to blame for the decorations and ghost-town switch-on.

He said the BID used to fund the event and dress the square, but this year it was left to the non-profit Business Association to manage as money was instead used to hire security for the High Street.

“We have no funding whatsoever for this light switch-on, so it was a low-key affair this year,” said Mr Hems.

“They [the BID] don’t support it any more. Why did every other area have a switch-on but not Kings Heath?”

Elsewhere in Chelmsley Wood, The Big Switch-On on November 23 attracted hundreds of excited locals as EastEnders actor Steve McFadden turned up to push the button.

“All the lights look fabulous everywhere else apart from Kings Heath. I can’t believe what’s happened,” Mr Hems added.

“Normally we have about 400 children. At first we had about 130 children at 3 to 4pm. Then, from when we were switching the lights on, it was disastrous, there was no-one there.

“We have limited don’t make a profit

Leaflets weren’t printed for the event this year, he admitted.

“People told me not to print leaflets this year. Usually we give them out to parents shopping with their children, but people said use social media instead.

“When we did it before we had all the lights, the village square as decorated by the BID. There was not even any crosses on the church this year. The lights are very bland, there’s no colour in funds, we from anything.” them. All they are spending money on is security for the High Street.”

A packed-out carol service inside All Saints Church – organised by the Business Association – was praised by the community along with the Christmas fete at the Art Room.

And another took to social media to share a heartwarming video of motorcyclists in festive fancy dress travelling in convoy along the High Street.

But despite the other festivities in the area, some locals said they were saddened by the “disappointing” lights switch-on.

Local mum Tania Tattersall shared an image of an empty village square on Sunday night and quizzed fellow residents: “Is this how Kings Heath switches the lights on?

“A lonely Santa, no atmosphere, no food, mulled wine or treats, no people. Such a sad way to start the festivities in the Heath.

“I moved to Kings Heath a couple of years ago and it’s so sad this isn’t a bigger event.

“The last two times I have been it’s been bigger with some stalls, food and music.

“We have a great community and it’s a shame this has fizzled out. I know the church do something after but as I have a small child I can’t attend.”

Karl Pinnegar said: “There was food and drink following the carol service.

“But the lights switch-on was just awful.”

No response was immediately available from the BID.

They were the cheapest ever. I’ve had a lot of complaints about them

Stan Hems