£5,000 upgrade for Market Drayton Christmas lights after anger last year

Last year residents vented their anger about how poor the Christmas lights were in Market Drayton town centre.

The older lights on the tree in High Street and the street lights down Queen Street kept tripping out and they would often run for a day or so and then go off.

People also called for more to be done to promote the town during the festive season.

Now Market Drayton Town Council has announced they are spending £5,000 to upgrade the fixture and fittings and the town's lights.

Businesses have also offered to help improve the display.

Kate Harvey, assistant town clerk, said: "We have had a huge amount of support from local businesses and we are very grateful.

"Muller is sponsoring the Christmas tree in High Street and Hales Sawmills is sponsoring the one on Cheshire Street.

"We have also had support from Palethorpes and AJB Contracting.

"Leek United Building Society said they will give us some money towards new lights in Queen Street after they were vandalised last year.

"The town council has also paid for new lights on Cheshire Street this year and all the light fixtures and fitting are being replaced or renewed.

"Hopefully they will look great. We have spent the entire £5,000 budget on the lights this year."

The Christmas light display will be turned on at this year's Festival of Lights.

The town’s annual Festival of Lights will take place on November 18, it has been revealed.

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas stalls at the festival.

Kate added: "It is going to be a real community event with local acts performing.

"The event will run from 10am until 5.30pm and there will be market stalls and entertainment from local bands and dance groups.

"There will also be street entertainment and the lights will be switched on at 5pm."

For more information or to book a stall, call Kate on 01630 653364 or email assistantclerk@marketdrayton.gov.uk