Over 1000 People Sign Church Street Xmas Lights Petition

Over 1,000 people have signed a petition in less than two days,  calling on Council bosses to re-think the decision not to put Christmas Lights up there this year.

There has been an angry reaction after Hfm revealed yesterday the lights, that have been a festive feature of the town for over 50 years, won’t be put across the street because of health and safety issues.

The Market Harborough Christmas Fayre Committee has organised an emergency meeting to discuss the situation at the Angel Hotel, High Street from 6pm tomorrow (Thursdsay).

Amber Lucas, manager of Gardners Cakery, set-up the on-line petition, and spoke to Hfm’s Nick Shaw:

View the petition HERE

Amber Lucas of Gardners Cakery & Emma Steed from Natures Pantry on Church Street

The Council say existing brackets and other infrastructure for the lights no longer meets standards no longer comply with regulations, and there are ‘challenges’ relating to installing new ones.

The Christmas Lights brackets remain in place on Church Street

Here is Harborough Council’s full statement:

This year’s festive lighting scheme will not extend to Church Street due to the existing electrical and physical infrastructure no longer complying with current regulations – as well as challenges relating to the installation of new brackets, eyebolts and new power supplies to accommodate the cross-street festive lighting.

Cllr Bannister added: “We recognise the importance of the town’s festive lighting and although it is with regret we are unable to continue to decorate Church Street we have focused resources on making displays in the town Square and The Symington Building really special this year and we will continue to work with local businesses to build on our festive celebrations in years to come.”