A London council has provoked a furious backlash from residents and local politicians after cancelling its annual Christmas lights display in an apparent cost-cutting move. Labour-run Islington Council has been accused of 'stealing Christmas' by scrapping the popular festive tradition, which has run for 15 years.
Key Streets Left in Festive Darkness
The controversial decision affects several prominent areas within the borough, including the affluent Upper Street in Angel. This street falls within the constituency of Labour deputy leadership candidate Emily Thornberry. Much of the impacted area is also located within Jeremy Corbyn's Islington North constituency, which he has represented as MP since 1983.
Other locations hit by the Christmas black-out include Highbury, where lights have been organised for over a decade by former Liberal Democrat council leader Terry Stacy, as well as Whitecross Street, Nag's Head, and Blackstock Road. The council's culture chief, Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, defended the move, stating the authority was prioritising 'essential services' over decorations, though he noted Christmas trees and other events were still being arranged.
Last-Minute Chaos and Lack of Consultation
The axing of the lights has been marked by confusion and a lack of communication. Several councillors claim they were not informed of the plans until it was 'too late' to object. One revealed to the Islington Tribune that while the rented lights were moved elsewhere, a last-minute alternative was offered at a prohibitively expensive rate.
Terry Stacy expressed his frustration, stating: 'They never officially told us they were going to axe the funding, but when we tried to engage with the council saying we would fundraise ourselves, there was just no response. It was baffling.' He added that he and three Green councillors inquired about hosting the light-switching ceremony themselves but received no reply. The ceremony has previously attracted celebrities like Suggs from Madness and hundreds of locals.
Broader Context of Council Decisions
This festive cutback follows a recent promise from the then finance chief, Cllr Diarmaid Ward, who assured residents in January that the annual display would proceed as usual this year. The decision also comes amidst other contentious transport policies from the same council.
Recently, motorists complained that their cars and bikes were stalling after the council introduced a 10mph speed limit on St John Street due to roadworks. Local resident Phil Cudlipp, 68, criticised the measure, highlighting the impracticality for vehicles like his Harley-Davidson. The council stated the 10mph limit is temporary for the six-month duration of the works.
In the absence of council-organised displays, some areas, such as the Angel Central shopping centre, are now relying on independent businesses to provide festive decorations. The council has been approached for comment, as have MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry.
