Dad’s Christmas show goes on after council U-turn

A DEVOTED father who put up a Christmas lights display to raise money for his disabled daughter was ordered by council chiefs to take them down – but has now been given a reprieve

Craig Morgan, 35, spent four weeks setting up the front garden display for an operation for his 10-year-old daughter Ellie.

The family’s festive lights show – featuring life-size snowmen and fluorescent Santas – brought visitors to their house to donate to the cause for Ellie, who has cerebral palsy.

But dad-of-three Craig was shocked when he received a notice from council officials telling them to take it down after complaints.

He said: “Everyone has always loved it so I can’t understand why someone would complain. I know it’s big, but it’s only up for a month-and-a-half.”

“We go through a lot – my daughter has cerebral palsy and my son has autism and can’t walk or talk. It’s constant physio appointments and bad news – this is a little thing to put a smile on the kids’ faces.”

Craig, of Cwmavon, Port Talbot, set up the lights show for an operation to help his daughter walk unaided.

The dad set a target of £3,000 for a consultation on a lifechanging operation for his daughter at Bristol Hospital.

Ellie has taken part in a 2km charity fun race in a bid to raise further funds.

The council has now reversed its decision – allowing the family to carry on fundraising.

A Neath Port Talbot council spokeswoman said: “Following a complaint a planning officer visited the property and identified that a number of structures were under construction.

“It was not clearly obvious at that time that they were intended to support Christmas lights but were significant enough to warrant a complaint to the council.

“However, given that Christmas is approaching, the property owner has been advised that no further action will be taken at this time.”