A FESTIVE focus has already surfaced among community leaders in Christchurch with plans announced to ramp up the town’s Christmas lights display this year.

Christchurch Town Council is currently tendering for a company to provide the festive lights for at least the next three years.

Historically the arrangements had been provided by Christchurch Borough Council.

But following local government reorganisation in 2019, the town council is now looking to put on a spectacular show for residents and visitors.

Councillor Lesley Dedman said: “We have a lot of ideas of what we want to do with the Christmas lights.

“We are going to go further than we have in previous years and make sure there are displays in different parts of the town centre.

“It is amazing to be able to come together and do this. We are pretty confident that most of the residents will think it is lovely.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Lesley DedmanCllr Lesley Dedman

“We have had a great response from residents through the consultations we have done so far about what they want and it is currently out for tender.

“It was important for us to get the views of residents.”

Members of the town council’s resources committee resolved to proceed with the procurement process to find the best value for the Christmas lights.

Councillors were told there had been an overwhelming support from residents in the consultation and 90 per cent support for a switch on event, although details of this have not been agreed yet.

Bournemouth Echo: A previous Christmas lights switch-on event in High StreetA previous Christmas lights switch-on event in High Street

The public tender advert, which was published on April 11, said: “Christchurch Town Council is looking for an experienced Christmas light contractor in respect of the supply, installation, maintenance, removal and storage of leased Christmas lights and decorations.

“The council is being ambitious in their approach and are offering the contract on either a three, three plus one or a five-year contract.

“The contract will include a core offer as well as an options list for new infrastructure and lighting at locations within the town.”