LEIGHTON’S Christmas lights are a “shambles” and have been given the thumbs down by shop owners, residents and even a councillor this year as many of the displays have failed to brighten the dark December skies.
On the eve of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year when any extra light would be welcomed, Leighton’s independent businesses fear the poor display may make their Christmas trade drop off altogether as shoppers head for a brighter festive feel elsewhere.
Even Conservative councillor Stephen Cotter of St George’s Ward told the partnership committee of Leighton-Linslade Town Council that this year’s display was “appalling” and questions needed to be asked why the display was such a “shambles” and “outdated”.
At last Thursday’s meeting he even called for the town council to withhold the final payment to the company responsible for putting up the decorations until the issues were sorted.
The LBO has also received numerous complaints about the defective decs which do not seem to be working on the south side of the High Street from Lake Street to Wilkinson and then on the north side from beyond the bus stop to WH Smith, and also the entire west side of Lake Street and the north side of Hockliffe Street.
However, on further investigation by the LBO all is not as it seems and in fact decorations company Festive Impact Lighting have nothing to do with the Christmas blackout as a more local issue is responsible.
Debbie Marsh at Leighton-Linslade Town Council told the LBO that they are more than happy with the company’s work and it was in fact out of date practices behind the failures.
Apparently, the festooned lights are individually powered by the businesses and private residents lining the High Street and immediate roads.
For the full story read today’s LBO.