South Ayrshire Council is planning a bright Christmas for everyone by ensuring that Christmas trees and seasonal lighting in public places provide festive fun for people of all ages.

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill said: “The Council takes every step possible to make sure that money is spent prudently when it is delivering services, and it is taking the same attitude towards Christmas trees and festive decorations.

“The decorations are something that people of all ages can enjoy, and are particularly appealing to children, so it has been decided to continue lighting up South Ayrshire during the Christmas period.”

Last Christmas, however, a staggering 50 incidents of vandalism took place involving Christmas trees and decorations, which resulted in 1554 replacement lights having to be fitted and electrical supplies having to be repaired. This cost the Council and the people of South Ayrshire £8,000.

Councillor Hill continued: “In view of the unacceptable amount of vandalism to Christmas trees and decorations last year, which I sincerely hope will not occur this year, a tough decision has had to be made about how to address it should it reoccur.

“This year if there is even one incident of vandalism to a tree then unfortunately the tree will be removed and it will not be replaced. This will also apply to other decorative displays.

“Although there are financial implications for the Council carrying out repairs after acts of vandalism there is an even greater issue – public safety. A lot of people seem to forget that the lights are electric and anyone vandalising them could be injured. There is also the risk of injury to innocent members of the public either from broken glass, or worse still in the event that any electrical wiring is exposed after vandals have struck and left the area.

“I hope that during 2005 all the festive decorations remain intact, and are there for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

October 2005