Lights will still shine this Christmas

Christmas decorations will still light up South Lanarkshire this year despite the impact of Covid-19.

Article Source: South Lanarkshire Council
Last Updated: 11 September 2020 11:07

Six towns across the area – Cambuslang, Carluke, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Lanark and Rutherglen – will have their traditional trees and lights displayed during the festive period.

The council has responsibility for the displays in these areas, and it is understood at this stage that the community-run lights and decorations in 14 other towns and villages will also still be switched on this year.

It has, however, been decided that the Christmas light switch-on events which the council are responsible for cannot go ahead this year, in line with decisions taken across Scotland about other festive events.

Restrictions on public gatherings under the Covid route map have prevented meaningful planning and preparation taking place for this year’s events.

There remains uncertainty on what could be held and there is a significant risk that tighter restrictions could be re-imposed resulting in abortive cost and work.

Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, Michael McGlynn, said: “We are still determined to spread a bit of festive cheer this year but I am sure everyone recognises the challenges we face.

“In particular, we just cannot be certain about what type of events we would be able to hold this year.

“At this stage, we would normally have completed around 80 per cent of the work required for the switch-on events to take place, but we have been unable to do so this year because of the impact of Covid-19.”

As well as the council-organised switch on events, there are another 14 community run events which are not council funded or organised but get some support from the lighting unit.

Michael McGlynn added: “Unfortunately, it is unlikely that there will be the resources to be able to support these events in 2020 and we would not be recommending that any community group continue with their plans in the normal fashion.

“We would not support any social gatherings for Christmas events this year.

“We are still looking into a number of ways of highlighting that the lights are switched-on, and we will communicate this with everyone when we have the details.”

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Lights will still shine this Christmas

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