Market Drayton Town Council seeks Christmas lights advice

Market Drayton's festive lights came under fire for not being up to scratch last year.

Now its town council has sought advice from a couple who dazzle people every year with their spectacular display at their home.

Lee and Sue Markham, who live in Sambrook Crescent, were invited to attend a meeting of the council's Christmas lights sub committee to hear how they transform their home while keeping costs to a minimum.

In previous years the couple have produced Arctic and Cinderella-themed displays featuring about 17,000 led lights and costing about £1 per day to run.

The invite to the meeting came after the town council was criticised by residents for its Christmas lights display at the end of last year and for not doing enough to promote the town during the festive season.

At the time the council, which is responsible for the lights and tree, said it would take people’s comments on board this year.

Assistant town clerk Kate Harvey said: "Mr and Mrs Markham were invited to come along to this meeting because of the fantastic and creative job they do decorating their own home at Christmas in the hope they can advise the town council of future lights they may purchase.

"Mr Markham said they were only too pleased to attend and thanked members for the opportunity.

"He said they love doing a display each year at their home, however they use domestic lighting and the town council would need commercial lighting for a better quality and durability.

"Also, he doesn’t have to worry about the security aspect or health and safety issues like the council have to consider.

"He said they would love to help with the lights; over the years they have realised less is more so looking at key colours to make it harmonious and where they are positioned is key.

"He understood the council's budget restrictions but said string lights can be purchased at a reasonable price and can look very affective if used in the correct way. Projection lights are too expensive.

"In his opinion the town has certain focal points for light arrangements such as the war memorial, the library and the Buttercross, and showed members some pictures of lights ideas."

At the meeting Councillor Roger Hughes suggested setting up an informal meeting to discuss the lights further.

It was decided to set up an informal meeting, to have a meeting with the lights contractor asking for his advice, and to report back to the committee so decisions can be made and prices discussed.