Wilmslow Town Council has agreed to purchase new Christmas lights for the town centre at a cost of nearly £40,000.
The former Christmas lights, which had reached the end of their life , have been disposed of, so having recently met with three potential suppliers and compared the options of buying to leasing, the Community & Order Committee had whittled it down to one company.
Councillors agreed that Blachere would be appointed to supply new Christmas lights for Grove Street, Alderley Road and Water Lane at a sum of £39,500.
Seven banners of lights are planned for Grove Street with five stars and a crystal banner at each end. Both Alderley Road and Water Lane will be lit with 10 lighting columns on the lampposts, which were described as being 2 metres high and having "quite some impact".
The council is also hoping to install lights in some of the trees on Alderley Road, though they may have difficulty getting the electricity supply for them.
Councillor Ruth McNulty said "They will light Wilmslow as well as it's ever been lit."
Councillor Jim Crockatt added "It is quite important for the traders of Wilmslow, after all they are the ones who are going to benefit from the quality of the lighting" and Councillor Gary Barton added "It is not just an investment in lights it's an investment in our town centre."
The majority of town councillors voted in favour of appointing Blachere, a leading supplier of outdoor Christmas lighting, with the exception of Councillor Don Glover who voted against the proposal.
Councillor Glover questioned the expense at last month's meeting saying "I'm concerned about the cost both now and in the future. I think the cost is too much."
Councillor Jo Milnes, Chairman of the Community & Order Committee responded "The alternatives were cheaper because they look cheap. Yes it's a substantial cost but I don't think we should be doing this on the cheap.
"Wilmslow will benefit tremendously from having such beautiful lights."
Councillors have hand delivered letters to almost every store and businesses in the town centre asking them if they wish to contribute to the cost of the lights, letters have also been sent to many head offices asking for financial support.
Councillor Ruth McNulty and Councillor Jo Milnes will be attending the Wilmslow Business Group meeting on Monday, 26th September, to present their plans to local businesses and request their support of the scheme.
The Wilmslow Christmas light switch-on is scheduled for 7pm on Friday 25th November. We will publish more information about this event as the details are confirmed.
Above are computer generated images from Blachere of the schemes for Grove Street, Alderley Road and Water Lane.
