Market Drayton Christmas tree blasted as 'pathetic' as lights go out too early

Almost half of the lights on the tree are not working – and the rest are switching off at about 7pm.

Council officials said there have been some technical issues with the lights on the tree in The Square in High Street and that they will be sorted out imminently.

But that hasn't stopped disappointed locals from describing the town's festive offering as "dismal".

Sian Rushton, 38, of Highfields, Market Drayton, said: "I think this year's Christmas lights are a right shambles.

"They should contract them out as they would do a much better job.

"The Christmas tree's lights have been going out about 7pm, which is terrible and doesn't make any sense."

Lynne Chapman, posting on community Facebook page The Drayton Crier, said: "What a shambles they are, pathetic show.

"We walked through the town at 7.15pm expecting to see the beautiful tree lit up and the street lights on. Nothing was on.

"If it wasn't for the effort of the shops in town, you wouldn't know it was coming up to Christmas."

Sheila Morris posted: "Sad, really, Drayton looks so dismal. But we cannot point the finger at Market Drayton Town Council. I am sure if the funding was there they would have spent it on nice Christmas lights."

Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "The technical issue is they set the timing wrong on some of the lights so we had the switch-on Saturday at 5pm, only for some of the lights to go off at 6.30pm. Also some bulbs aren't working so we have some lights with half the bulbs out.

"The company is due back within 24 hours so these issues will be sorted."

He added: "The lights for 2015 will be reviewed and we will look at adding extra lights subject to funding."