Clevedon Town Centre Experiences Disappointment Over Christmas Lights Display

A “woeful” Christmas lights display has resulted in half of Clevedon being in “blackout,” a situation attributed to a funding disparity, according to a local trader. While a volunteer group illuminates Clevedon’s notable pier and Alexandra Gardens in north Somerset, the town centre relies on the council’s “old and faulty” decorations. Daniel Adams, owner of Stationery House, commented, “It’s been a major disappointment that Clevedon town centre has been left with a woeful display.” A spokesperson for Clevedon Town Council stated that its “lights are old and have struggled to withstand severe weather conditions.” Mr. Adams further noted that traders are “grateful” to the council for installing lights “given the extremely limited funds,” but, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he indicated that half the town is currently in a “Christmas blackout.” He added, “Given their age, many aren’t working and as such the end result is a little embarrassing compared to other local towns.” The council communicated that it “shares the disappointment” of residents and businesses. A spokesperson for the council explained, “Due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis we had hoped the lights would last another year but unfortunately this approach has proven unsustainable.” BID provides the volunteer Clevedon Community Lights Group with £15,000 for the lights on the pier, Hill Road, and Alexandra Gardens. BID imposes a levy on all businesses in the district, which includes both the Hill Road area and the town centre; however, some businesses have expressed that they perceive minimal return for their contributions. “Businesses of the town centre are extremely aggrieved that having paid Clevedon BID thousands of pounds since August 2023 and having had the time to organise proper lights and a switch on it has failed to do so,” Mr. Adams added. A spokesperson for the BID stated: “Clevedon town council has for many years provided the Christmas lights in the town centre and organised an event to mark the switch on. “Post lockdown, the newly formed Clevedon Community Lights group has worked to extend the Christmas lights right across our town.”