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Friday
13  December

Councillors to consider the location of Newtown festive lights switch on

 
08/01/2024 @ 07:44

The official switch on of Newtown's Christmas lights could return to Broad Street this year.

Last week we reported how this year's event was a success but many people could not see the blights actually switching on in the town centre from the Town Hall grounds where the event took place.

Our social media post was seen by more than 16,500 people and created more than 125 comments alone urging town councillors to return the Kicking Off Christmas event to the town centre.

Before the Covid pandemic it was heald in Broad Street and High Street, but council officer Vicky Williams told town councillors last night that it was moved to the Town Hall grounds in connection with the entertainment, market, and a need for social distancing.

 

 

In a report to last night's Economy and Environment Committee, the event held in November was declared a success, but some areas of improvement were noted, including the location following feedback.

Our story caused a huge debate on our Facebook page with the majority of residents saying they would like the event in Broad Street so they can see the lights coming on.

Cllr David Selby said there were many pros and cons for the event in any part of the town centre that would need to be addressed, including the number of people in Broad Street. He referenced a roundabout for children that was in a previous Broad Street event where the crowd crush was worrying.

Chairman of the committee, Cllr Richard Edwards, said: "There have been difficulties wherever we have done it."

Referencing the social media feedback on the MyNewtown page, council officer Fiona Ferneyhough, said the views of the public were important and they would be considered in the future meetings organising the 2024 event. "These have all been noted," she said.

The council is due to release a statement this week to explain why the event has been held in the Park for the past couple of years and explaining the process moving forward for 2024.

A meeting will take place in the future to discuss the 2024 event.