Scrooge could switch off Epsom's Xmas

5:40am Thursday 24th July 2008

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An almighty row has broken out over who is going to pay for Epsom’s Christmas lights.

For five years, the market town has been left in darkness over the festive period with both local businesses and the council shirking any responsibility and refusing to stump up for a seasonal light display.

This year’s Christmas looks equally bleak with just £12,000 raised to pay for the whole of the town’s yuletide decorations.

Dave Beasley, a local electrician who helps organise the Regent Street display, said he was concerned that the amount of money raised would not pay for many lights in Epsom.

“A total of £12,000 is not going to get a lot,” he said. “It is probably a bracket in the wall with a few lights and gold bows.”

Local businesses claim it is Epsom and Ewell Council’s responsibility to decorate the town, while the politicians say it is down to the companies to pay.

Lib Dem group leader Julie Morris “The spirit of Scrooge is alive and well and living in Epsom.

“The Residents’ Party steadfastly refuses to take a lead on investing in Christmas spirit, town pride and festive lights.

“The council itself is prepared to spend lots of money on civic functions and dinners for the mayor but when it comes to things like Christmas lights, they feel they don’t have any responsibility.

“It is their responsibility. I think taxpayers would far rather their money spent on the lights than mayoral dinners.”

Councillor Neil Dallen, who is spearheading the campaign to raise money for the lights, is optimistic.

He has raised £6,000 from businesses and persuaded the council to match the amount.

“It’s not going to be Regent Street but it will be good,” he said.

“The high street chains have to get permission from their head offices and 99 per cent of them are reluctant to do so because then they would have to do it everywhere.

“The independent shops are struggling at the moment. I sympathise with them all but it doesn’t stop me trying or asking.”

Resident’s Association Coun Keith Mann said at the full council meeting on Tuesday night that the donation would be a one-off.

“We as a council have no responsibility to invest anything at all,” he said. “We have made this offer to the business community for this year only. After that they are on their own.”

Coun Jean Smith added that spending council money on the lights was a “wild proposition” and it was “a shame that some of our businesses are so stingy”.

Carol Jury, of Epsom’s Chamber of Commerce said: “I would be reluctant to say it is just the responsibility of the businesses,” she said.

“We see it very much as a joint responsibility, especially when businesses are feeling the effects of the credit crunch, it’s not a business priority.

“There’s no evidence that people will spend more if there are Christmas lights around but we want everyone to feel festive in Epsom and Ewell.”