Christchurch councillor Simon McCormack acts on Christmas lights after residents slam display
A CHRISTCHURCH councillor organised for the town’s Christmas lights to be fixed after local residents moaned they looked “appalling” and “cheap”.
Cllr Simon McCormack, chair of the Christchurch Christmas lights committee, leapt into action after reading people’s complaints about the display on social media.
The lights were turned on last weekend, but residents were quick to share their disappointment with some branding the display a “huge let down”, “pathetic” and “miserable.”
The town council had announced that “Christmas is not cancelled” after it was revealed BCP Council would not fund a Christmas tree or lights in the town this year.
But its efforts fell short for some. After reading the complaints Cllr McCormack went out to take another look at the lights himself and, realising some were not working properly, got contractors in to fix them.
The councillor shared his efforts on social media, saying: “I have been out last night and tonight and am working closely with the town clerk and our contractor to get the parts of the display which are not lit, due to a technical glitch, working.
“I can confirm tonight that Bargates, Fountain Roundabout and the high street are lit.
“Christchurch Quay, Purewell and Convent Walk will hopefully be all up and running in due course.
“All I can do is apologise for this year not being as smooth as it could have been, but to let you all know that there is a team of us working in the background to address the issues.”
Talking about the fact the lights were not funded by BCP this year, he added: “Since Christchurch Town Council have taken over the Christmas lights display they have expanded the offering to include Bargates, Christchurch Quay and Convent Walk.
“This is a significant investment in a time of budget cuts and austerity, and was only achieved by many hours of hard work by volunteers.
“This year we knew that the display in the High Street would be limited due to the building work to the mayor’s parlour and the library. These buildings have the majority of the hooks and power points for the across street displays and we do not have access to these because of the building work.”
After residents praised his actions, Cllr McCormack admitted: “I did start to get a bit disheartened but the responses on this post have lifted my spirits.”
People said they were now “delighted” with the display, with one saying: “Fountain Roundabout looked lovely on my way back from choir last night.”
Another said: “I think Bargates and the roundabout look lovely. The High Street is a bit disappointing but now you have explained why, hopefully people will understand.”
One resident added: “I do hope this stops the moaners who clearly expect Regent Street standard on a Regent Centre budget.”
But others said they still felt let down, with one saying: “I can understand how Christchurch residents feel given the lavish Xmas light displays in Bournemouth and Poole this year.”
