With reference to the comments made by Paul Crouch concerning the lights fiasco (front page Maldon and Burnham last week).

Like everyone else in Maldon, I thought the Christmas lights in the High Street were extremely poor.

I am in a better position than him and can offer him the following that may go some way to mollify his undoubted disappointment.

There are a number of issues concerning the lighting of the full length of the High Street. Cost, permission of shop owners, health and safety, insurance, reliable contractor to do the job and clearance from authorities.

Lighting the High Street is a costly, time-consuming business.

If we decided to spend a large proportion of taxpayers' money on Christmas lights, we would spend less on other, more deserving causes and I can think of many more deserving causes than this one.

Last year was the first year of a new contract that was to last for three years. They will not be invited to complete the contract.

In good time for Christmas, we have a new contractor who, I hope, will do everything to make Mr Crouch and the town less disappointed.

At Monday's full council meeting, we discussed the new contract for the High Street Christmas lights.

I offered an alternative solution to the exercise and my proposal was defeated. It was decided to light the full length of the High Street again.

A decision to accept one of the proposals was carried.

We have met the contractor and in good time we have been assured there will be a better show this Christmas and, hopefully, the residents and Mr Crouch will not be so disappointed again.

Ian Mackenzie
Town councillor, Kingston Chase
Heybridge