Bright idea to light up for longer
Extra festive lights to compensate for lack of switch-on event
THE coronavirus may have put paid to this year’s Remembrance Day parade and Christmas lights switch-on celebrations but Leek will still be lit up for the festive season.
Extra lights are to be added in the town’s Sparrow Park area, which is located at the bottom of Derby Street.
The lights, which are the responsibility of Leek Town Council, will also feature for longer to brighten up the town.
Speaking at last week’s meeting of Leek Town Council, event chairman Councillor Matt Swindlehurst said: “The Christmas lights in the town will go up, however there will be no switch on.
“Some of the lights have been replaced.
“We have also more strings to put up more lights.
“People have asked for more lights in the Sparrow Park area of the town.
“In January, we will look carefully at getting new lights.”
Councillor Pam Wood asked if the lights could be left on longer to brighten up the town.
She said: “Lights could be on the trees around the monument. We could have them on through the dark nights and also after Christmas to brighten up the town.”
Councillor Sue Coleman said: “Last year I walked around the town on dark days, so we could ask for a longer time.”
Town mayor, Councillor Stephen Wales, said a timer could be set to enable the lights to come on longer when the days are shorter.
However, Councillor Brian Johnson said that he was concerned that the council could face criticism.
He said: “This could have a big effect on the electric consumption if the lights are visible all day. We could face criticism if they are on all the time, especially on brighter days.”
Councillor Swindlehurst also announced that there would be no remembrance parade this year through the town.
He said: “There has been a lot of discussion about Remembrance Sunday. We held a safety advisory meeting last week where it was agreed that no remembrance parade takes place through the town this year.
“There will be a small wreath laying at the Nicholson War Memorial.
“Wreaths from organisations can be left in the town council offices in Stockwell Street, at a date to be announced, for people to lay the wreaths for them.
“There will be a stall in the Leek trestle market for people to buy wreaths and poppies for two weeks prior to Remembrance Sunday.