Published: Thursday, 10th July, 2008 8:10am

Light relief for leaders

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TOWN leaders have vowed to defy a council proposal to rename Christmas lights ‘festive lights’ – despite the fact that they’ll probably never be asked to do so!

Dunbar Community Council members had thought that the ‘festive’ name change would be foisted on them and were strongly opposed, with members voting seven to one against the proposal.

Secretary, Adam Sneddon branded it “petty PC” while Kilvert Croft noted that other religious festivals were called by their proper names and didn’t see any reason why Christmas should be any different.

News of the predicted change of moniker came following a council forum on Christmas lights procedure and safety practices – attended by Dunbar Christmas Lights Committee.

Secretary of Dunbar Christmas Lights Committee, Derek Edmunds said community councillors had “misunderstood”.

“There has been no hint, no obligation or compulsion on the community council to use that title,” he said.

“East Lothian Council has chosen to use the generic title of festive lights for light displays but is not directing anyone else to.”

Meanwhile, the retirement of Christmas lights’ stalwart Bill Crow was marked by the presentation of a picture montage featuring previous festive displays.

The gift was presented by committee chairman Graeme Darkes.