Council spends nearly £20k less on Christmas lights

Rochdale Council spent nearly £20,000 less on festive lights and decorations across the borough this Christmas.

Town Hall bosses spent a total of £71,654 for Christmas 2011, compared to £89,500 in 2010.

The £17,846 they saved was used as part of a scheme to introduce 20mph speed limits outside all schools across the borough.

John Patterson, Executive Director for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The council has provided Christmas lights throughout the borough for many years with decisions on expenditure taken by townships.

“There is an expectation by the public and businesses that lights continue to be put up as they provide a welcoming, festive atmosphere for shoppers and visitors.”