Agenda item

Due to Covid 19 etc. it has not been possible to prepare or complete the tender documentation in order to re-tender the Christmas Lights display for 2020.  The Operations and Estates Officer is in contact with several lights providers and is trying to organise a small display concentrated in the Market Square area for this year only, until the tender can be completed and sent out for the 2021 display.

To receive and consider the report of the Cemeteries and Project Officer regarding the Christmas Competitions 2020.

The Committee received and considered the verbal report of the Operations and Estates Officer updating Members on this year’s Christmas lights display along with the report of the Cemeteries Officer regarding the children’s Christmas competitions. 

Members discussed other ideas such as putting lights in window, and the impact on the night time economy.  The Town Clerk commented that previously it had been difficult to get the retailers to support the event, and to her knowledge Rotary had nothing planned due to the difficulties brought about from COVID-19.

The Operations and Estates Officer explained that he was not happy with the idea of rushing out a tender because if it was not right the Council would be stuck with it for 3 and 4 years.  He would be happier arranging a very small display just for this year. 

RESOLVED: 

1.            that the report be noted;

2.            that a small lights display should be arranged for this year only;

3.            the Mayor’s Christmas Card competition should be run, via social media rather than through schools;

4.         that consideration be given to a Christmas poem initiative at the next meeting.