Town councillors have agreed to extend this year's Christmas lights display.

Councillors discussed the proposals at an Andover Town Council meeting on Wednesday, January 24, where several companies and lighting options were debated.

The council had received quotes from three companies to install the Christmas light displays around the town. 

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Cllr Luigi Gregori proposed that the council utilise company C for the installation of the lights, which was a nationwide company but the cheapest of the three options available. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Steven Hardstaff.

Cllr Gregori said: "I am in favour of utilising company C as I do feel that if we are not careful we will price ourselves out of the market and be unable to put on a good display for our community."

The deputy clerk added that she was comfortable and confident in working with any of the three companies proposed to carry out the works, but highlighted that there would be cost add-ons because a scheme had not yet been agreed on.

Councillors voted on which company to use, with company C chosen to carry out the work. 

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Included in the report was the costings for the existing 34 column display, an already approved extension of 20 further columns located in George Yard Car Park, Black Swan Yard Car Park and Waterloo Court, with further consideration of an additional 31 columns along Western Avenue.

This would total 85 columns in the town.

Cllr Gregori added: "We have spoke for years now about extending the Christmas lights and I do think we need to take that next step.

"Some businesses feel they do not receive the benefit of the Christmas lights because the display does not include where their business is located, and that does not help increase footfall for certain areas.

"I am all in favour of Option A, B and C."

Cllr Katherine Bird seconded the proposal, saying: "This gives us as a council an impetus to move forward and gives our officers authority to look into it and see what we can do. This is us showing we are investing in the town to make it more."

Cllr Stu Waue said: "I like the option of A, B and C as Christmas time 2022, I was driving through significantly smaller towns and it's quite an eye opener to see all these Christmas lights which look really good and really welcoming, and we do not have anything to that effect currently in the town centre."

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of including options A, B and C in the plans for the Christmas lights display.