Walsall Christmas lights switch-on is axed

The annual celebrity festive lights switch-on and town centre Christmas tree will be axed by a Black Country council this year due to a lack of funding, it was revealed today.

Traders today hit out at the decision by Walsall Council, whose deputy council leader Adrian Andrew said no money had been allocated for the festivities this year.

The extravaganza had previously been organised through the old Walsall Town Centre Management Partnership which ceased to trade last month.

Lights will still be put up around the town but there will not be the grand switch-on in November, which has previously attracted X Factor stars and even Hollywood actor Matthew Marsden who hails from the Yew Tree Estate.

Other guests included X Factor contestants Eoghan Quigg and Rachel Adedeji last year and Aldridge-born Paralympic Gold winner Eleanor Simmonds in 2008.

A 30ft tree has been put in The Bridge and Digbeth over the last few years with thousands of people attracted to the switch-on.

Regeneration chief and deputy council leader Mr Andrew said: "It costs £3,000 for the tree to go up with lights and it is money that has not been allocated.

"We are still putting lights up to create a festive feel. It is a shame but we have to look after the district centres too."

The event usually coincided with late-night shopping in a bid to boost business for shops and market traders. Shops will open late on Thursdays from November 25, but the Saddlers Centre will not open late until December 2.

The decision has been branded as a blow to everyone in the town.

Walsall Market Traders Association chairman Tony Larner said: "It draws in people and traders and shops will be disappointed. When Ellie came you couldn't move there were so many people."