"Christmas could be cancelled in Coventry next year"

[dutchman]

As Coventry gets set for this Wednesday's big Xmas event the future of the Christmas lights switch on comes under review



Christmas could be cancelled in Coventry after this week’s big event as council bosses debate the future of the city’s festive lights switch-on.

Wednesday’s event could be the last as Coventry City Council reassess its events budget as the authority prepares to make £65million of savings by 2017.

The annual switch-on, which attracts thousands of people, is the city’s second most expensive event and costs taxpayers around £110,000. But it now at risk as the council looks to shave £300,000 off its £700,000 events budget.

The most city’s most expensive event is the £300,000 Godiva Festival, which is also at risk of being scrapped or scaled down.

Coun Kevin Maton, the city’s business and enterprise chief, has said all options have to be explored in the wake of significant funding cuts from central government.

Asked if the lights could be scrapped altogether, he said: “Everything is being considered. We have a process to go though and choices we have to make.”

He added that retailers might be able to takeover some of the funding.

“It’s about talking to see how much we gain from the switch-on,” he said.

“We need to talk to retailers in the city centre and say we can play our part in terms of attracting people here but we need more support.”

[rebbonk]

Like many councils, this one wastes money hand over fist. But, rather than tackle the true waste within its own walls it takes a political stance, by hitting front line services and blaming the government. Sorry CCC it won't wash.

And if our councillors really cared as they claim they do they'd be surrendering their own very generous expenses.