MP takes a dim view of town’s Christmas lights
A County Durham town has been left with a “terrible” Christmas light display compared to other areas, it has been claimed.
North West Durham MP Richard Holden says numerous residents have been in touch about the disappointing lights and tree in Consett town centre.
Residents feel other areas have bigger displays and are unhappy about the “lack of effort” that has been made by Durham County Council, he said.
The politician has now written to the local authority’s acting chief executive asking if the lights could be looked at “as a matter of urgency”.
Mr Holden said: “The lights are really terrible this year, many of them aren’t working and to be honest the tree looks like it was dressed in rather a hurry.
“I’ve been contacted by many constituents who are concerned about the impact that this has on the town centre of Consett after a difficult year and who feel that the area has been unfairly left out when other parts of the county have seen much bigger and more appropriate displays of Christmas lights.
“It’s not on that people have been left disappointed by the local council and feel a lack of effort has been made to bring a festive spirit to the area, especially after the debacle earlier this year when the council spent a fortune coneing off our local town centres when restrictions were eased, only to be forced to remove them after an outcry.
“I hope that the council can do something to sharpen up the lights and considers working more closely with local businesses and individuals going forward to ensure that, in future, the Christmas lights and Christmas displays reflect what the local community would like to see and reflect our community at its best.”
Mark Readman, highway services manager at Durham County Council, said they recognise the value of Christmas lights in helping to attract visitors to our towns, particularly in the current economic climate.
He added: “In Consett, as in previous years, we have put up a Christmas tree and lights in the town centre, as well as the tree on the Villa Real roundabout.
“The decorations we have used are the same as last year, but we have replaced some of the lamppost displays and we regularly inspect the lights and repair any faults.
“We would encourage residents to contact us on 03000 260 000 if they spot a bulb that needs replacing.
“Christmas lights are just one of the ways we are supporting businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
“To date, we have helped County Durham businesses access more than £10 million of grants, in addition to the support we are providing locally through Business Durham, Visit County Durham and our Area Action Partnerships (AAP).
“Derwent Valley AAP is a longstanding supporter of the Do Business Network and over the last six months has contributed £16,410 to projects providing intensive support and training to small businesses in Consett.”