More festive lights over a wider area will be on display in Grantham this Christmas

More festive lights over a wider area will be on display in Grantham this Christmas.

Councillors approved recommendations that £30,800 be spent on the installation of the lights and a three-year hire agreement for lights with Gala Lights for an enhanced display from this Christmas.

Members of the culture and leisure overview and scrutiny committee at South Kesteven District Council agreed this morning (Tuesday) to the recommendations which says the £30,800 will come out of the district’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.

A variety of lights will be put on display in St Peter’s Hill, High Street and Watergate, Westgate, Market Place, Guildhall Street, Edith Smith Way, Welby Street and Butchers Row.

The Christmas tree in Market Place will remain and there will be an event to swit

Committee member Councillor Paul Martin (Con, Grantham Arnoldfield) said he agreed there was a need for better lights in the town after a “pretty appalling” display last year.

Coun Graham Jeal (Con, Grantham St Vincent’s) told the committee he believed people will welcome more lights at Christmas. He said the expense of the display may be passed on to a new Grantham Town Council if it is set up next year, or it could decide not to take it on and it would be met by a special expense area through the district council.

Coun Jeal added that the town centre display last year was “looking tired” and “needs refresh”.

The annual budget for Christmas lights is currently set at £17,500, met from the Grantham Special Expense Area fund.

The district council says Gala Lights is seen as a climate change-friendly operation, having committed to becoming a carbon neutral company by 2025. The lights are made from low carbon aluminium comprised of 60% recycled materials with a lower carbon footprint.

The recommended lighting scheme of LED lights uses up to 90% less energy than previously installed conventional halogen bulbs.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Paul Stokes, said: “This will provide a much-improved light display for Grantham during the 2023 Christmas period and beyond, something the town needs and deserves.

“This, in turn, will support the retail and hospitality sector during what is one of their most important trading periods.

“The new energy-efficient lighting will be complemented by the traditional tree installation in the Market Place, which would also be decorated by the preferred supplier.

“All of this will incorporate town centre activities including a Christmas market, family fun day, street entertainment and food stalls, as we are very much looking forward to bringing some seasonal colour and excitement to our historic market town: a much-needed boost.”

Councillors unanimously approved the recommendations.