Entertainment

Village’s Christmas lights ruled too heavy

Kent County Council told Pembury that anything over 4kg would break health and safety rules.
Kent County Council told Pembury that anything over 4kg would break health and safety rules. Kent County Council told Pembury that anything over 4kg would break health and safety rules.

Christmas is going to be “a little dimmer” in one English village after the county council ruled that its festive lights are too heavy to be hung.

Pembury will not be able to display its usual 8kg Christmas lights after Kent County Council said anything over 4kg would break health and safety rules.

Tests earlier in the year found that many lampposts in the village would not support the weight, and the festivities will be restricted to garland lights on the village green.

Councillor Louise Mills said: “Christmas is such a special time of year and I know Pembury residents appreciate the village lights.

“Unfortunately, this year our High Street is going to look a little dimmer.

“This is hugely disappointing, especially as the notice from Kent County Council was received so late in the day, giving us no time to rectify the situation.”

A county council spokesman told The Sun: “We notified them that, following independent tests ordered by the parish council, only one column would be suitable for hanging decorations.”