Machynlleth Rotary Club Cancels Christmas Lights for 2023

Machynlleth will not see its traditional Christmas lights illuminating the high street this year due to a dispute over installation costs. The local Rotary Club, which has organized the festive decorations for many years, announced that the fees charged by Powys County Council became prohibitively expensive. In addition, some lights failed to work last year, prompting concerns about the reliability of the installation.

David Hennighan, a member of the Machynlleth Rotary Club and owner of Hennighan’s Fish & Chip Shop, stated that the costs for installing and removing the Christmas lights had “quadrupled” compared to previous years. He noted, “What they asked us to pay last year was £1,600 plus VAT.” In stark contrast, the Rotary Club had paid between £400 and £500 for the same work in the past.

The Rotary Club expressed its disappointment in a statement, pointing to the council’s “unacceptably high cost of installation” and the failure of several lamp posts to illuminate last year’s decorations. The club has been responsible for the lights, believing they have been a cherished feature in Machynlleth for many years, but they will not provide them this year.

Hennighan elaborated on the technical issues from last year, stating, “Half the lights weren’t actually working,” attributing this failure to the “electrical conditions” inside the lamp posts. He lamented, “Quite literally we will be left in the dark,” drawing a comparison to neighboring towns that are preparing for festive light displays. “You get the lights in Newtown and Welshpool, and they’ll have a great big switch-on. Sadly, we’re going to be left in the dark with no lights.”

While Machynlleth will have a Christmas tree adorned with lights, set to be switched on at an event on November 29, 2023, the absence of high street decorations this year highlights a significant change in the town’s festive atmosphere.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council clarified that the Rotary Club had not sought a quotation for this year’s installation of decorations. They stated, “We have been in contact with the Rotary Club regarding the reported failures and advised that, as these assets are managed by the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency, any replacement of timers would require their permission.”

The council emphasized that the Rotary Club is not obligated to use their services for installation. Instead, they are permitted to engage any qualified electrical contractor, provided that the contractor meets the criteria required by the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and secures the necessary approvals.

Powys County Council reiterated its commitment to supporting local communities while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The Rotary Club’s decision to forego Christmas lights this year raises questions about community spirit during a season typically characterized by festive cheer.

Traffic Wales, the authority responsible for the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency, has been approached for further comment regarding the situation. As the holiday season approaches, the impact of this decision on local businesses and the community’s festive spirit remains to be seen.