Christmas lights have now been installed on Ledbury’s historic almshouses after a lack of bulbs initially left them in the dark.

Ledbury Town Council said it will review its Christmas lights provision after finding it couldn’t decorate the almhouses at the same time as the rest of the high street.

The council responded to criticism on social media in a statement released earlier this week.

“Firstly, we would like to reassure residents that we are awaiting the lights to be installed at the almshouse,” the council said.

“These were not done at the time of the installation of all other lights due to insufficient lights being available at the time of installation.

“With regard to the comments on the lack of lights, we have taken onboard the comments and will be reviewing the possibility of providing additional lighting in the town from 2022 onwards.”

The statement received a warm response on Facebook, with residents praising the council for taking their comments on board.

The council is inviting members of the public and Ledbury traders to take part in planning next year’s Christmas lights switch-on. Anyone with an interest in joining the Christmas Lights Task and Finish Group 2022 is asked to contact the town clerk by emailing clerk@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Members of the public can also join a number of other working parties of Ledbury Town Council and should again contact the clerk for more information.

Ledbury’s Christmas lights switch-on took place on Saturday, December 4. As well as seeing the lights switched on, shoppers enjoyed free parking, a Christmas market, free face painting, festive music, a candy cane giveaway and more. There was also a visit from Santa’s elves and a toy sale in the town council offices.

The event was funded through the Welcome Back Fund, which is giving councils across England a share of £56 million from the European Regional Development Fund, to support the safe return to high streets and boost economic recovery following the impact of Covid-19.