Shifnal's Christmas lights still in place

Award-winning Christmas lights are still hanging in a town near Wolverhampton - because health and safety red tape has delayed them being taken down.

It is the latest drama for the display, which had been threatened with the axe for the first time in 25 years because of strict safety regulations.

Volunteers who annually installed the festive decorations were told by Shropshire Council in November last year that they did not have the correct insurance or qualifications to do the job.

It is believed there were fears that lorries could hit the lights above roads and crisis meetings were held in a last-ditch attempt to save them.

Shifnal Town Council agreed to step in and ensure the lights would continue, and they were switched on, on schedule, by Shifnal resident and Wolves legend Bert Williams in front of a crowd of hundreds.

But they have not yet been taken down because members of the council have had to carry out surveys to avoid any future problems.

Council clerk Fiona Thomas said today: "The lights are still up while we've been taking surveys and getting in place necessary permission and infrastructure work.

"The lights were crisis managed by Shifnal Town Council.

"We've been measuring the festoon and taking photographs for next year.

"There's a firm commitment by Shifnal Town Council to utilise the existing lights where possible. The surveys just had to be done."

The lights are previous winners of an award for the best display in the region.

The display, which has not been switched on since Christmas, will now be taken down on Sunday.