Town left without Christmas lights, residents frustrated

Christmas lights will not illuminate the high street of a town in mid Wales this year due to a disagreement over installation costs. The Machynlleth Rotary Club, which has overseen the festive lighting in the Powys community for many years, said last years installation fee from the council was excessively high and that several lights did not function properly.

The council stated it had not received a request from the Rotary Club for a quote for this years installation. David Hennighan, a club member and owner of Hennighans Fish and Chip Shop, said the cost of putting up and taking down the decorations had quadrupled compared with previous years.

In a statement, the Rotary Club said it had reluctantly chosen not to supply Christmas lights for the town this year. It explained that the council had proposed what it considered an unacceptably high installation cost, while multiple lamp posts failed to power the lights during last years display.

The lights themselves are owned by the Rotary Club, which said they had long been a welcome feature in Machynlleth. The council is responsible for their maintenance. The club added that the lights had been enhanced in recent years thanks to a substantial donation from a local business.

Mr. Hennighan said the club was given an unreasonable quote for work that usually takes around five to six hours, noting last years bill of 1,600 plus VAT compared with the usual 400500. He also claimed that about half of the lights failed due to issues with the electrical systems in some of the lamp posts.

Were literally going to be left in the dark, he said, adding that other towns such as Newtown and Welshpool enjoy large switch-on events while Machynlleths businesses will have no festive lighting along the high street.

The town will still have a Christmas tree with lights, scheduled to be switched on during an event on 29 November, but no street lighting will be displayed this year.

Powys County Council said the Rotary Club had not requested a quote for this years installation and noted that any replacement of timers would require approval from the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency. The council also stressed that the club is free to hire any qualified electrical contractor that meets the agencys requirements.

The council added that it remains committed to supporting local communities while ensuring that all work on public assets meets safety and regulatory standards.

Traffic Wales has been contacted for comment.

Analysis: Christmas Lights Dispute in Machynlleth Highlights Growing Tensions Over Local Costs

The decision by the Machynlleth Rotary Club to forgo the installation of Christmas lights this year brings to the forefront the financial strain local organizations face when dealing with rising installation costs. For years, the Rotary Club has proudly coordinated the festive lights in Machynlleth, a cherished tradition for residents and visitors alike. However, with a steep increase in installation fees from the Powys County Council, the club found itself unable to shoulder the financial burden this year.

At the heart of this issue lies the council's proposed installation cost, which the Rotary Club described as "unreasonably high." The bill, which surged from the usual £400-£500 to £1,600 plus VAT, coupled with technical failures in the lighting system last year, led to a difficult decision for the club. While the council maintains that it was not formally asked for a quote this year, the gap between the two parties regarding expectations and responsibilities has only deepened.

Moreover, the lack of coordinated communication between the Rotary Club and the council complicates the situation. The council emphasized that the Rotary Club is free to hire other contractors, but this suggestion does not resolve the underlying issues of trust and financial feasibility. The lights, which are owned by the Rotary Club but maintained by the council, have become a focal point of broader concerns about local government support for community events.

In the absence of street lights, the town will still host a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, but it is clear that this year’s festive atmosphere will be notably dimmed. While Machynlleth is not the only town facing such challenges, the situation underscores the growing divide between local councils and volunteer-run organizations. More broadly, it raises questions about how small towns can maintain traditions without overwhelming the limited resources available to them.

Sources:

• Town 'left in the dark' without Christmas lights