Christmas lights 'too heavy' for town's lamp-posts

The lamp-posts in Ferryhill were found to be "unsuitable" for festive decorations by Durham County Council

Inspectors have decided a town's lamp-posts are not suited to supporting Christmas decorations this year.

Durham County Council inspects its lamp-posts every year to make sure they are able to safely hold the size and weight of festive lights, and Ferryhill's street lights failed the test.

Ferryhill Labour councillor Curtis Bihari said he was "gutted" the lights could not be used this year and highlighted how previously "they have always passed the test".

Paul Watson, Durham County Council's highways service manager, said the "columns remain safe and stable for the existing street lighting units".

Mr Watson said: "The lighting columns in Ferryhill have been independently tested and determined to be unsuitable to support the size and weight of the festive decorations proposed by the town council this year."

He said there was "no associated risk to the public".

Ferryhill Town Council said despite the "disappointing" news, the Christmas celebrations at the annual market and light switch-on would be "fun-filled".

Bihari said he hoped measures were put in place by the Reform-led Durham County Council to ensure the lamp-posts were suitable to carry Christmas lights next year.

"Every year Durham inspect their light columns ahead of the lights switch-on to make sure it's safe to take the additional weight," he said.

"I'm disappointed and would urge Durham County Council to rectify this for next year."