A bright future is in store for future festive seasons in Stroud, after plans for a major revamp of the town’s Christmas lights were approved.

This coming season will see the end of the road for some of the existing displays that have stretched across King Street, High Street and George Street for many years. All of these displays are provided by Stroud Town Council as part of its support for local traders at an annual installation cost of around £7000.

After hearing that some of the displays have reached the end of their life, councillors have agreed to set aside an additional £5000 in next year's budget for a new package that will only use modern LED lights. This will see a significant reduction energy use and running costs.

The council will also continue to provide festoons of lights across Kendrick Street and a lighting display on the Subscription Rooms.

This year’s Christmas Light display will be turned on by local actor Keith Allen, (pictured) well known for his role as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the BBC series Robin Hood. It will launch the annual Goodwill Evening to be held on Friday December  4th. Full details of the Goodwill Evening can be found here.

Article placed online: 11th December 2009

Picture courtesy BBC