LET THERE BE LIGHTS Christmas display to go ahead... after report that family had been told to take it down
AFAMILY will now be able to switch on a spectacular Christmas lights display. Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) ordered Debbie Williams and her son Callum to take down around 200 lights they had put up outside their home on Cefn Hendre, Caernarfon, to raise money for charity.
According to the Williams family, CCG told them they were damaging the home’s external insulation.
The decision left them “devastated” and sparked a furious reaction on the estate where they live, as the Williams family had put on the display for the last four years without issue.
But, after our sister paper the Daily Post reported the story on Wednesday, CCG had a change of heart.
Speaking to the Daily Post, Mr Williams said: “As soon as you put it up on Facebook, within five to 10 minutes they gave me a call and said that they wanted to sort it out with me. It’s great. It’s just a shame that I had to go to you to get them to change their decision.
“I want to let people know that the switch-on is still going on”
The lights usually take Mr Williams around three weeks to erect, and, over the last two years, the displays have raised £1,400 for good causes in the area. Last year, the lights were even filmed and featured on S4C.
This year, the family will be holding a charity night for Llinos Bevan Back, who died aged 40 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind nine-year-old son Oliver.
Proceeds will also be split with the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity (SANDS).
CCG said any existing damage will need to be repaired and that Mr Williams will need to follow an “approved method of fixing” in regards to putting the lights up. They added that they will need to check for electrical safety.
A spokesman said: “We are working with Mr Williams in an attempt to find a solution. This includes repairing the damage that has already been caused to the external wall by the current method of fixing.
“We are in discussion with the render manufacturer regarding their approved method of fixing, which Mr Williams will be expected to follow.
“We will also inspect the connections of the lights for electrical safety. Once we are satisfied that both of these requirements are met we will not object to the display”
The lights are set to be switched on at 21 Cefn Hendre, on Saturday, November 24 at 5.30pm, followed by a Christmas party at Caernarfon Town Football Club.
Tickets cost £2 for adults (including raffle ticket) and £3 for children (including a gift from Santa). To buy tickets, contact Callum Williams on 07960 876226.