War of words on lack of lights in North Lanarkshire

Conservative councillors in North Lanarkshire have called for a reversal of the budget decision to cancel Christmas light displays.

Festive light displays were a casualty of this year’s budget-setting process, which took place in February – a decision which was opposed by the Conservatives but backed by SNP and Labour councillors, citing financial pressures imposed by Westminster and the Scottish Government respectively.

Councillor Trevor Douglas said: “The Conservative Group voted against cuts to festive lighting, as we know how important they are to our communities.

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“During the festive season, it is one of the first focal points people notice when they drive through our towns and villages. This goes for Christmas trees too.

“It brings people together which is so important, particularly as we continue to fight against Covid-19. 

“There is still time to bring some Christmas cheer back to North Lanarkshire

“So we are calling on Labour and the SNP to join us by reinstating festive lighting throughout our towns and villages.”

Councillor Bob Burgess added: “People are fed up with cuts.

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“When it comes to festive lighting, communities should have something to enjoy at Christmas time. 

“Local communities are unhappy about the budget decision to cancel festive lighting and it should be reconsidered.” 

The council leader, Jim Logue, responded to these comments by saying:  “The Conservatives have answered their own question.

“The only reason that Christmas lights and trees are no longer funded by the council is because of catastrophic cuts to our budget by the SNP.

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“However, it is heartening to see that many communities have already started fundraising for their own lights and trees this year, proving that the SNP can take much from North Lanarkshire, but not our Christmas spirit.”

SNP depute group leader Councillor Jordan Linden commented: “I understand the immense strength of feeling and the emotive nature of this issue of the Christmas lights and trees in our community throughout the festive period.

“The council’s budget in February and the difficult decisions we had to take, against the backdrop of years of devastating budget cuts and Tory austerity, were taken before the global pandemic took hold.

“Councillors could never have foreseen the situation we would face and the devastating impact it has had on our communities in months gone by.

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“Of course, my group recognise the importance of Christmas cheer in a year filled with difficulty.

“To many in our community, the lights and trees in our festive season will be a beacon of hope and bring much needed happiness in these times.

“Therefore, this year I reiterate that SNP councillors will be working hard in their local communities with community groups to ensure that we see Christmas cheer in our communities – this year of all years.

“And I confirm that we will also bring forward proposals to ensure that moving forward, our communities will be placed at the heart of decision making on issues such as Christmas lighting.

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“This is by utilising participatory budgeting and our community boards to deliver these much loved sights.”

SNP education and families spokesperson, Councillor Agnes Magowan added: “Christmas 2020 is sadly going to be totally different from the norm this year due to the necessary restrictions brought about by Covid-19.

“Like many, I am saddened that due to years of Tory austerity and budget savings, we will not see Christmas lights and trees erected by the council this year.

“In these difficult and dismal times the population of Motherwell, Wishaw and indeed all of our communities – really need brightened up by being illuminated in the usual way.

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“I welcome the introduction of new community boards which aim to ensure that both frequently heard but crucially seldom heard voices are heard when deciding upon local priorities. The Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed that one per cent of the council’s budget must be spent on local priorities determined by the community and this initiative can deliver that.

“Therefore, whilst in 2020, we will work with communities to do what we can – I would imagine that in 2021 this will be one of the top priorities for our community boards and participatory budgeting.”

Meanwhile a spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council confirmed that its own festive lighting programme is going ahead as usual this year – although the switch-ons which draw huge crowds will not.

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