Club will light up Motherwell

Arguing that they would be shaving back £150,000 by not having to store, power or install lights in Motherwell and beyond, North Lanarkshire Council failed to recant on what was seen as a budget-cut too far.

Although made before the pandemic hit, council chiefs stressed that they still did not have the money to spare - sparking a social media storm with aggrieved readers on the Motherwell Times website.

It has now emerged that lights will appear in the main streets of Motherwell after all -but only because a generous third party stepped in.

We can reveal that it is Motherwell Football Club- who have acquired the very same lights owned the council and will have them installed by its partner Phoenix Specialist Solutions.

Confirming too that this would extend to Wishaw, Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon said: “When we heard that our area would have to go without Christmas lights this year, we wanted to see if we could help.

“NLC had indicated they would work with community groups to find solutions where possible and, after discussions, we are grateful they have provided us with the lights so we can put them up around the two towns.

“During these challenging and unusual times, we hope that seeing the lights can bring community spirit and a sense of normality to people in our local area.”

David Clark, managing director of Phoenix Specialist Solutions, added: “When Motherwell FC explained the situation to us, we were determined to step in and help.

“Using our expertise in street lighting, we were able to provide a quick solution that makes sure the people of Motherwell and Wishaw can enjoy seeing some of the Christmas lights up.”

There was an another surprise on the cards in regard to Christmas fixtures in Motherwell after it became plain that an event loved by families from across the area will be going ahead - albeit in a different form.

On Monday, it was announced that the pantomime which stars Ian ‘Sheepie’ Smith will be made available for streaming - after a financial package from another outside source came to its rescue.

Creative Scotland agreed to fund ‘Lost in Pantoland’ through a rescue package aimed at helping theatre companies survive the virus crisis.

The first performance will in fact begin next Wednesday (December 16) and run until Sunday, January 10.

For more information contact www.culturenl.co.uk/PantoAtHome.