Tinsel traffic lights in Caterham Valley highlight delays in works

Local councillor Alun Jones said 'we will need much more tinsel' if the traffic lights stay in place

Residents in a Surrey town have hung Christmas decorations over temporary traffic lights to highlight delays in removing them, a local councillor says.

The lights on Croydon Road, in Caterham Valley, were put up in August 2022.

Caterham Valley councillor Alun Jones said: "We don't want to have to start planning for their third Christmas."

Surrey County Council said: "We appreciate that disruption to travel is frustrating for residents but these are important works."

Mr Jones said "witty" residents placed the tinsel and an elf hat on the lights.

The lights were put in place as a new development - including a new supermarket and 48 apartments - is being built.

The traffic lights were due to be removed in May but have remained in place.

'Minimise disruption'

Caterham Valley councillor Jenny Gaffney said residents had "jokingly" suggested the council applies for listed status from English Heritage given they have been there so long.

A spokesman for the Clarion Housing Group, which is leading the project, said the lights "have been essential in ensuring safe access for construction work to progress".

They are due to be removed in February 2024, which is when Clarion believe the development will be completed.

Surrey County Council said in a statement: "We will do our utmost to minimise disruption as best we can whilst we carry out these works and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."

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