An Isle of Wight town may not be so merry this Christmas
Ryde is cutting back on decorations to save money
Ryde may not be so merry and bright this Christmas season after decorations in the town have been pared back.
A decision was made last night (Monday) by Ryde Town Council to cut back on the lights and Christmas trees it usually provides around the town.
The reduction has been put down to issues with the location of Christmas trees and the poor condition of some of the lighting fixtures.
The town council had spent £39,000 on star lighting that was in place for two seasons but, according to the clerk Lisa Dyer, most had failed, were unusable and needed replacing.
Ms Dyer said it was a huge cost for the council as virtually all of the equipment needed replacing and the facilities and assets sub-committee had decided not to buy more, especially so soon after the council bought the last load.
The committee would instead investigate the use of ex-hire stock to provide some lighting in the town and allow time for other ideas, such as floodlighting St Thomas’ Church and concentrating lighting on Union Street and Cross Street.
In previous years, trees at St Thomas’ Square and Town Square had been vandalised, with baubles removed and smashed.
It was agreed instead that certain areas of the town, such as the square by the Co-op, would be improved with lighting and features to provide photo opportunities.
A walk around the town took place last month to discuss all options, which are still being investigated.
A working group has also been set up to explore new ways of delivering festive lighting and will report back to the council with its recommendations.