East Grinstead festive lights’ future secured

But with the committee members getting older and storage facilities no longer available at the parish halls, the committee has agreed that the Town Council could gradually take over the lights in a three year rolling programme.

“The East Grinstead Christmas Lights were the very first in Sussex thanks to the vision of the volunteer committee, and they have brought an enormous amount of pleasure to townspeople and visitors for 30 years,” said Town Clerk Julie Holden, who paid particular tribute to the work of chairman Melvin Phillips.

“But with their future increasingly uncertain, we have been working with the Lights committee on a joint venture which will see responsibility gradually handed over to the Town Council over the next three Christmasses – starting this year with the stretch of High Street between Middle Row and the Cook Shop.”

With lights provided by a commercial company who will erect, demount and store them, the move will also save money in the longer term.

“Thanks to the many volunteers who have worked so hard over the years, the lights have been a much-loved part of Christmas in East Grinstead for a generation,” said Julie, “and the Council is delighted to ensure they continue for many years to come.”