18.12.2007

Council helps with Christmas lights

Northumberland County Council has used the aerial work platforms it normally uses for street lights and tree trimming to help towns in the area erect their Christmas lights.

Lights are now sparkling in Morpeth, Hexham and Ponteland. The council has hung nearly three kilometres of cable and around 7,000 lamps.

Councilor John Smith, executive member for highways and operational services, said: "We work closely with town councils and are contracted to put up lights on their behalf. The towns look absolutely great and hopefully traders will have a bumper year."

Richard Hayes, head of engineering and construction for Northumberland County Council, said: "We are delighted to lend our specialist equipment and know-how to help towns look great over Christmas."

Vertikal Comment

With an increasing number of local councils cancelling Christmas light displays with the excuse of health and safety or insurance costs, it is a pleasure to see one council taking a more pragmatic and sensible approach.