A contributor (Letters, December 6) ask why it is there are no Christmas lights in Ashley Road, Parkstone.
As a local resident I got very involved myself in this issue in 2006 following two years with no lights and so many complaints.
Along with two sole traders we organised a general meeting which led to the formation of a committee to manage the lights and work with the council to improve the high street.
Regrettably the committee of 12 has faded away again. Nonetheless the problem regarding Christmas lights is not in the business community. The problem falls squarely, in my view, on all 11 local councillors for Upper Parkstone.
I made this case time again in council meetings in 2006 but I might as well have howled at the moon. As it is this year council has handed over £1,600 to traders to help fund lights but – wait for it – charges £4,000 to install and take down the lights.
Its all straight out of Lewis Caroll.
Jeff Williams, Jubilee Road, Parkstone
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