Disappointed families have reacted with anger and dismay to a "Scrooge-like" decision by council leaders to axe a district's Christmas lights.

Amazed parents have bombarded the council with complaints over the disappearance of festive lighting in Castle Point - with the exception of a light display on the wall above the council offices entrance.

Highways director Nigel Thomas said that members of the committee decided to no longer provide Christmas lighting in their budget at a meeting back in March.

Critics included former Castle Point mayor Betty Wood.

She said that she, along with many other people, felt dismayed by the council's unusual decision.

She added: "You see places like Southend looking so lovely but the people in Castle Point have been left out. It is so sad. Unfortunately we have a Scrooge-like council. It is really disgusting."

Mother-of-two, Carol Dyer, who lives in Tamarisk, Benfleet, said her children were left feeling very despondent.

She said: "This council are being absolutely mean to residents, especially the children.

"The youngsters love the lights but this year that magic has been taken away from them. I am irate about this, it has made me so angry."

Mr Thomas defended the council's decision to install Christmas lighting at the civic offices in Kiln Road, Thundersley.

He said: "It is a separate budget area completely and is peanuts in comparison with the £13,500 it would cost us to provide lighting around Castle Point.

"We decided to do nothing this year to test public reaction with a view to looking in future years to form a partnership with shopkeepers in the community.

"Other towns like Rayleigh have their lights provided by the community with the council's help and judging by the number of complaints here there may be a change in Castle Point next year."

By Adrian Clark

Reporter's e-mail: adrian.clark@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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