Village in for 'dimmer' Christmas after festive lights ruled too heavy
They’re a key element of the festive season for many towns and villages.
But one village is in for a ‘dimmer’ Christmas after a council ruled that its festive lights are too heavy to be hung.
Pembury in Kent isn’t allowed to display its normal lights as they weigh 8kg and Kent County Council has ruled that anything over 4kg breaks health and safety rules.
Tests earlier in the year apparently found that many lampposts in the village would not support the weight.
Because of that, the village is now restricted to garland lights on its green.
Councillor Louise Mills said: “Christmas is such a special time of year and I know Pembury residents appreciate the village lights.
“Unfortunately, this year our High Street is going to look a little dimmer.”
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She said it was “hugely disappointing” and they had received notice from the county council “late in the day” meaning there hadn’t been time to rectify the situation.
A county council spokesman told The Sun: “We notified them that, following independent tests ordered by the parish council, only one column would be suitable for hanging decorations.”