TRADERS in one of Cirencester's most popular shopping streets have criticised the way the town council organised the Christmas lights for the area.

Black Jack Street traders are unhappy because half of the lights were put up just an hour before the switch-on event on November 29, with the rest installed several days later.

In Dyer Street and Market Place, the lights were put up days before the Advent Festival where actor Nigel Havers switched on the lights.

Mark Lindesay, landlord of the Golden Cross Inn, is one of the traders in Black Jack Street unhappy with Cirencester Town Council.

He said: “It was very badly organised. They were more worried about bands rather than having something sustainable over the Christmas period. Just having the lights up in time is a fundamental part of an Advent festival.”

He said some businesses on the street had been asked to donate towards the lights by the town council but he was not one of them, however he would have happily contributed to make sure they were installed in time.

Perry Meridith, who works at Jessie Smith butchers, said it was a “shambles” that the lights were put up so late.

The town council's chief executive officer said the delay in installing the lights was not due to problems with the contractor hired.

He said: “Whilst there were logistical issues with our contractor which delayed the installation, it was in no way down to bad organisation.

"The town council will work with its contractor to ensure that the lights are installed much further in advance next year."

Mr Tubb said he disputed Mr Lindesay’s claim he was not contacted to ask if he wanted to contribute towards the lights, but would happily speak to him about sponsoring them next year.