Couple asked to shed light on Market Drayton Christmas lights displays
Daffodils may be blooming but one Shropshire town has already cast its mind forward to Christmas.
Market Drayton's festive lights came under fire for not being up to scratch last year.
Now its town council has sought advice from a couple who dazzle people every year with their spectacular display at their home.
Lee and Sue Markham, who live in Sambrook Crescent, were invited to attend a meeting of the council's Christmas lights sub committee to hear how they transform their home while keeping costs to a minimum.
In previous years the couple have produced Arctic and Cinderella-themed displays featuring about 17,000 led lights and costing about £1 a day to run.
The invite to the meeting came after the town council was criticised by residents for its Christmas lights display at the end of last year and for not doing enough to promote the town during the festive season.
At the time the council, which is responsible for the lights and tree, said it would take people's comments on board this year.
Assistant town clerk Kate Harvey said: "Mr and Mrs Markham were invited to come along to this meeting because of the fantastic and creative job they do decorating their own home at Christmas in the hope they can advise the town council of future lights they may purchase.
"Mr Markham said they were only too pleased to attend and thanked members for the opportunity.
"He said they love doing a display each year at their home, however they use domestic lighting and the town council would need commercial lighting for a better quality and durability.
"Also, he doesn't have to worry about the security aspect or health and safety issues like the council have to consider.
"Over the years they have realised less is more so looking at key colours to make it harmonious and where they are positioned is key.
"In his opinion the town has certain focal points for light arrangements such as the war memorial, the library and the Buttercross. He showed councillors some pictures of lights ideas,"
Councillors decided to set up an informal meeting with the lights contractor asking for his advice, and to report back to the committee so decisions can be made about the future of the lights and prices discussed.
