Joy of Christmas

THERE may be no Christmas lights in Solihull this year, unless a private sponsor comes forward to provide funding.

The shock proposal was revealed during Monday’s meeting of Solihull Council’s local services committee, as members discussed the budget framework for 2006.

Thrifty officials cited a possible £47,000 saving in stopping the festive lights, a useful contribution as the committee strives to save ten per cent of its budget, and help the council overall save £7 million from its annual spend.

Cllr David Bell, cabinet member for local services, admitted he was unhappy about making the decision.

“We have to make savings where we can and it is better to take it from here rather than things which will seriously affect people’s lives,” he said.

“But I’m hoping that if it is agreed then there will be alternatives because we all enjoy these things.”

Cllr Bell pointed to the cost of health and safety checks carried out on the lights and the volume of administration for taking up much of the £47,000 spent.

Distributing the lights across the borough is also a mammoth task, with workmen only recently completing the dismantling of last year’s Christmas illuminations.

But he added: “If a private sponsor comes forward then of course there will be Christmas lights. Already some of the funding is supplied by local groups like the Lions, so hopefully someone will come forward.”

The matter will now go forward to full cabinet to be decided.

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