Residents of a Devon town gathered on two streets to celebrate the switching on of its Christmas lights – but both were left bitterly disappointed.
One group gathered in Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, on Saturday November 25, to hear the countdown to the glorious moment the lights would come on. They heard the countdown and got ready to celebrate – only to not be able to see them anywhere.
Meanwhile, just down the road on Fore Street, another group did get to witness the lights as they came on. However, unable to hear the countdown, they had no idea when to expect them, ruining the festive moment.
The evening was further let down by several of the lights appearing not to turn on properly. The council discussed the switch-on at a meeting on Monday, November 27, reports DevonLive.
Several councillors pointed out the issues with the arrangement, and called for a dedicated Christmas lights task force to be reinstated.
Mayor of Tiverton Councillor Wally Burke apologised to those who did not hear the countdown or see the lights being turned on.
He said: “I did apologise to some, but it was not our fault that we had to have the microphones down in Phoenix Lane, so those who didn’t hear it, I am very sorry, as they should have seen that that’s where the gathering was.”
While councillor Sue Griggs said the event was “hugely disappointing”. She pinned the issue on the lack of communication between the council and Devon County Council, which is responsible for the street lighting.
She said: “It was unfortunate that there were no lights on at Phoenix Lane.”
The Christmas lights committee was merged into a larger events committee earlier this year – but Ms Griggs called for its return, saying: “I feel it’s a very important event for the town and one of the largest budgets we hold.
“It’s a big event and I feel it’s not given enough time at these meetings.” She added: “It’s disappointing to see some of the lights aren’t working on the bridge.
“I realised there have been problems with the weather, but the lights were very late in being fitted, and I don’t think some are working properly, such as at the Christmas tree on Lowman Green.
“Saturday’s switch-on was massively disappointing for all sorts of reasons. I do think it’s a shame that we didn’t have that wow factor.”
Tiverton town clerk John Vanderwolfe pointed out that “unfortunately” those responsible for installing the lights had “had an accident and drove over the Christmas lights while putting them up.”
“I don’t think a committee could have saved that,” he said. Mr Vanderwolfe said the weather had been “atrocious” and contractors had “done their best”.
