Newport councillors are putting the contract for the town’s Christmas lights out to tender after “astronomical” annual increases.

They hope to reduce the tens of thousands of pounds it pays each year for its festive lights. Some councillors believe parts of the town are being left in the dark because of poor coverage and there have also been calls for more free-standing static arrangements to rival those in Shifnal.

All town councillors at Wednesday’s meeting agreed the cost must fall.

But Councillor Peter Scott said there were businesses left in the dark.

He said: “A couple of people have told me they would like to see more free standing arrangements in the Upper Bar area like the ones in Shifnal.

“As we have previously discussed, it would also be good to get some more lighting in Stafford Street.”

Councillor Adrian Meredith urged the council to put the lights out to tender branding the annual bill, which has risen £5,000 each year, astronomical.

Councillor Eric Carter said the issue of extending the coverage went back yea- rs, adding: “Now is the time to find out if we can them get them any cheaper with the contract up for renewal.”

Town clerk Lee Jakeman will contact businesses, with the five-year rolling contract ending next year.

Meanwhile as part of the High Street councillors called for the old black lighting poles to be removed before new paving is laid.

The poles, which have been branded an eyesore, will be replaced in favour of wall-mounted attachments for the Christmas lights.

Councillor Glyn Gratton said: “We need to remove the black poles but to save us from looking stupid we need to get this done before the new paving is laid.”

Councillor Meredith added: “We need to make sure all the safety checks are carried out if we are mounting the lights to the buildings.

“A few years ago the side of a building was pulled rig- ht off in Market Drayton.”

A letter is being written to Telford & Wrekin Council to see if the poles can be re- moved as part of the de-cluttering process funded via the Borough Towns Initiative.

By Samuel Pinnington