ABERDEENSHIRE Council has launched an online consultation into proposals to ration its contribution to the electricity used by Christmas lights each year – with community groups like Stonehaven Business Association having to pick up any remaining bill.
Jim Savege and his team are adding to their Grinch-like efforts by saying the volunteers who orchestrate the displays may have to arrange professional testing to make sure lampposts are strong enough to be used for lights – and even cover the cost of strengthening or replacing the columns in order to add a festive flourish.
In the proposals, a budget cap has been set on the electricity bill Aberdeenshire Council will pay for brightening the darkest nights. Based on last year’s costs, this amount is £12,500.
With the accounting skills of Ebenezer Scrooge, Council bosses have come up with a pro rata formula to allocate this budget to communities across the Shire
A council spokesperson said: ”The proposed policy has been developed in response to feedback from community groups who have called for greater flexibility to create festive displays that reflect the unique character, culture and identity of their communities.
”If approved, the revised framework would allow community groups to apply to install festive lights on any street within their settlement, rather than being restricted to town centres or high-footfall locations as is currently the case. Locations would generally be approved provided installations do not compromise the safety of road users or pedestrians.”
Stonehaven Business Association facing increased costs
Charlie Sands, the treasurer of the Stonehaven Business Association, said: ”The town’s Christmas lights – on the lampposts and Market Buildings – are paid for by the members of the Stonehaven Business Association, and we already have to fundraise to buy new lights and to test and install them each year.
”Aberdeenshire Council now propose to charge us over £1,000 for the annual cost of electricity. We will be charged for 16 hours’ electricity a day as that is how long the streetlights are illuminated. We would get a partial grant but with ever increasing electricity costs we would still have to find another £500 each year. I think that can be done if the community is prepared to help – perhaps through a GoFundMe page.
”I do have other concerns. The consultation is misleading where it refers to towns paying if they “ask for extra festive lights”. All we are doing is trying to maintain what we already have. The proposal to remove restrictions on putting up new lights would give us a freedom we cannot afford to exercise.”
Manual says lampposts must be checked for structural safety
While offering communities a free-rein on Rudolph installations, Aberdeenshire Council has produced a manual to accompany their new policy. This gives sensible guidance on technical aspects of installing lights and payment terms for excess electrical consumption – though the council has not yet decided how much it will charge for excess wattage.
But like a Russian doll, that manual contains reference to another manual, whose requirements must be adhered to – The Banners, bunting and attachments to lighting columns manual.
This makes it clear the Council would prefer our twinkling stars and angels were fixed to buildings. But if permission for the use of street lights on lampposts is what’s wanted then there are strict guidelines to follow.
For instance, attachments will not be permitted if the lampposts are made of aluminium. In this case a community group would have to pay for them to be strengthened or replaced. For other lighting columns, speak to the Council. If you are lucky they have been surveyed of late and you are good to go. Otherwise, hanging operations must be suspended until a satisfactory professional survey of the lampposts has been undertaken – at the community’s expense.
Business Association Asks for Support Through the Survey
Mr Sands said: ”Over the years we have paid hundreds of pounds for connections to be installed for our features to use. Is it too much to expect that when equipment is “upgraded” that we can still use it as before? It is worrying that the Council seems to be asking us to pay presumably thousands of pounds for each replacement lamppost just to maintain the existing use. That is not a cost that the Stonehaven Business Association would be able to meet.
”We have noticed street lights in Allardice Street and Evan Street being removed and not replaced. Requested repairs seem to be taking longer. The lighting in the Market Square is poor and needs investment.”
He added: ”This new policy is not ‘seeking to encourage community involvement’. It is simply further evidence of the pressure on the Council to pass on the costs of what used to be taken for granted as council services. Businesses are already stretched. And with that in mind, please complete the Council’s survey.”
