Local businesses to be considered by town council for New Milton Christmas lights display
LOCAL firms will be considered as new contractors are sought for New Milton’s Christmas lights display.
Hailing a successful 2023 festive season, a recent town council amenities committee meeting noted its contract with SparkX had reached its final year, and a new contractor was needed for 2024-26.
Chair Cllr Geoffrey Blunden spoke of his keenness to support local businesses, but stressed they would need specialist safety training.
Reporting on the well-received 2023 display, assistant town clerk Theresa Elliott said it had been moderately affected by vandalism.
“The tree in Mallard Court had its lights wire snapped in two places,” she said.
“The Poundstretcher tree [on Station Road] had a cigarette butt burn through the wire, although we don’t know whether this was through the butt being discarded negligently or deliberate.
“Also, that tree was heaved within a couple of days of being put in position.”
Mrs Elliott added the lights on two trees outside Vision Express were “well at the end of their life”.
For the first time, last Christmas, trees were trunk-wrapped with lights near the recreation ground on Whitefield Road and at Old Milton Green.
Thanking the businesses who helped fund the displays through sponsorship, Cllr Blunden reported “excellent” feedback both from residents and visitors.
“This can’t be done without the generous sponsorship we get,” he said.
Turning to the search for a new contractor, he said: “We will also look at local electrical contractors, as it’s important to support local businesses when we can.”
However, Mrs Elliott emphasised the point that specialist HERS (highway electrical registration scheme) training is needed for opening lamp columns.
The council now hopes to build further on the current display by extending it along the mature trees to the south of the recreation ground.
It was also hoped Ashley shopping parade will be included with financial support from businesses.