VOLUNTEERS from Melksham Christmas Lights Group have begun work decorating the town in time for the big switch-on next month.
However, it still remains unknown how rules introduced by Wiltshire Council about festive lighting could impact this year’s display.
Wiltshire Council’s ‘Festive lighting in the highway’ policy and guidance document, bans Christmas lights from being strung between street lighting columns across a road – a major part of the town’s display for over 30 years – because of safety concerns.
According to volunteers, discussions are still ongoing between the Melksham Christmas Lights Group and Wiltshire Council to resolve the issue.
However, as reported in the Melksham News last month, the voluntary group have overcome one of the new rules – the ban on the practice of using ladders leant against lighting columns as part of the installation proces.
The group successfully trialled the use of mobile scaffolding, which will be used to decorate the lighting columns in the Market Place.
This year’s Christmas lights fayre, will take place on Saturday 7th December from 2pm to 6.30pm. The big switch on will be at 5pm.
