NEW guidelines aimed at cutting the red tape involved in putting on Christmas festivals have been welcomed by Essex organisers.

The county council has changed its code of conduct, in a bid to make it easier for volunteers to put up seasonal decorations and banners over roads and other public places.

Previously, those applying to set up decorations would have had to employ a structural engineer to test their safety, but that responsibility now lies with the county council.

Other changes, which came into effect last week, will aim to maintain rigorous safety standards but share the responsibility of protecting the public.

efforts Guidelines were tightened in 2004, after a number of accidents and near misses which forced parishes, including Tiptree, to spend thousands of pounds updating their displays.

Each application will now cost £50 as a one-off charge.

Last year, Wivenhoe’s Christmas lights were only saved following concerted efforts from fundraising by a number of the town’s groups and individuals.

Organiser John Moores welcomed the changes.

“In short, it’s good news,” he said. “This is a revised set of guidelines, which are more realistic and less restrictive.”

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