'The thought of Battle without lights is diabolical'

A town has rallied around to ensure Christmas lights remain this year

The community of an East Sussex town has come together to fund festive lights after being "dismayed" to find out it would be left in the dark at Christmas.

Residents said they were shocked to find out there would be no Christmas lights in Battle's high street after the town council revealed the electric system supporting their lights was unsafe to use.

More than £8,000 was raised in less than a week for lights to be displayed since the council's announcement at the end of October.

Battle Town Council said a recent inspection revealed the majority of the electric system supporting its lights could be dangerous.

Instead of running across the high street, the lights will line the centre of town along the front of businesses.

Sarah Truman, owner of Sarah's Cellar, said people were "dismayed" that checks hadn't been made before October.

"My reaction was horror and disappointment, my business is very reliant on sales in December," she said.

Sarah Truman is one of the business owners who is supporting the fundraiser

"I think it will need to be discussed but that's a January conversation, luckily the people of Battle have made it happen.

"We want to make sure we've got all the twittens, and nooks and crannies covered. We want this to have an impact."

Residents in the town had a mixed reaction to the news.

Gary Walsh, who has lived in the town for 35 years, said: "I think it's fantastic, the thought of Battle without any lights is diabolical.

"It's wonderful the whole community has come together and been so generous."

Philip Ardagh said: "It's fantastic and shows the community spirit, I think it's a shame these won't be lights that go across the road, they'll be going across the side.

"I think we're still a bit shocked that the council took so long before they told people that the usual lights across the high street won't be going up."

Philip Ardagh had mixed feelings about the news

Battle Town Council said on a Facebook post that it was not involved in the crowdfunder campaign.

The statement read: "Unfortunately, an inspection of the electric system supporting the lights has revealed it is unsafe to use and could be dangerous.

"The festive lighting scheme is currently budgeted for and hired annually. Until this infrastructure is replaced, lighting displays on or across the high street cannot be supported or authorised by the council for safety and regulatory reasons.

Christmas lights will return to Battle high street this year

"Looking ahead, the council is exploring options for the necessary repairs for 2026 and welcomes continued collaboration with local partners and businesses to make this possible.

"Battle Town Council thanks residents, businesses and volunteers for their ongoing support and enthusiasm in helping to make Battle shine bright at Christmas."

The council said it was working to ensure the town remained festive with shopfront decorations, illuminated trees and community events.

The council was approached about concerns over why an inspection did not take place earlier in the year.