Town's Christmas decorations taken down due to vandalism

A section of Christmas lights in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, was removed after vandals damaged the display just days after its installation. The decorations had been set up along a dim stretch of Riverside Walk on 28 November, but were destroyed on 4 December.

Kateland Burbidge, co-owner of Burbidge Electrical Contractors, the company responsible for installing the lights, said: "Its already cost us several hundred pounds and they were only up for a short time. At the moment, weve taken them down because we dont have enough spare lights. Well explore options to reinstall them if possible."

This marks the second consecutive year that the Riverside Walk lights have been vandalized, with similar damage last year requiring repairs costing 1,000. Ms. Burbidge added: "Finding out this happened again was very upsetting. The lights bring a lot of joy to people, especially since this part of the river is so dark during winter. It affects more than just us; it impacts the whole town."

A spokesperson from Bradford-on-Avon Town Council commented: "Its disheartening to see a display enjoyed by so many ruined by the actions of a few. Replacing the lights takes time and public funds, which is frustrating when this keeps happening."

Burbidge Electrical Contractors have been providing holiday lights for Bradford-on-Avon for 13 years, with vandalism reported almost every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Author: Aiden Foster