Residents and local councillors in Gloucester have raised concerns about Christmas lights still hanging in the city centre almost a week into March. Many have questioned why the festive decorations remain above the Gate Streets as spring rapidly approaches.
Gloucester City Council has explained that the delay is due to difficulties in finding suitable storage for the lights this year. Previously, the decorations were stored in the Eastgate Centre, but that space is now being cleared to accommodate the Greyfriars redevelopment project.
Fortunately, the council has now secured a new storage location, and the Christmas lights are expected to be taken down next week. Westgate Councillor Howard Hyman has been actively liaising with council officers working to resolve the storage issue.
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However, some councillors remain puzzled by the delay. Councillor Rebecca Trimnell described the situation as “bizarre,” noting that the lights are largely forgotten but still hanging in place. She suggested that if removal costs are prohibitively high, perhaps the lights could remain until the next Christmas.
Councillor Pam Tracey expressed frustration, commenting that the situation has “gone lackadaisical” and emphasising that, with the first day of spring on March 21, it is time for the decorations to come down. She also speculated that a lack of manpower might be contributing to the delay.
A council spokesperson confirmed that various storage options had fallen through initially, but a solution has now been found. The removal of the Christmas lights is scheduled for next week, ending their extended stay well beyond the festive season.