HARWICH’S Christmas lights have been strung up in the town’s streets ahead of the big switch on later this month.

The Christmas lights were put up on Monday, November 12, in readiness for the festive season and the display in Harwich Quay will be switched on in time for the Illuminate Festival on Friday, November 23.

Pam Morrison, chairman of Harwich Town Council’s finance and general purposes committee, said: “There is an additional cost to the council of £3,000 each year for the lights to be installed, but we consider it a worthwhile investment in our town centre each Christmas.

“It guarantees that we have Christmas lights and ensures that a switch on is possible when required.”

The decision to purchase the lights was taken after last-minute difficulties almost led to the town centre being without Christmas lights and the cost to Harwich Town Council includes storage and maintenance.

The council is also building an earmarked reserve for the cost of replacing the lights when the present ones reach the end of their life.

She added: “The overall package is a big investment for Harwich Town Council but it guarantees that we have Christmas lights each year.”