RESIDENTS in a cul-de-sac have pulled the plug on their popular charity Christmas lights display after complaints from neighbours.

The annual 200,000 light extravaganza in Lodge Close, Rayleigh, is so spectacular it attracts visitors, including coach parties, from as far as London and Kent.

In the past seven years, the light show has raised £40,000 for good causes as admirers drop money into donation boxes.

But neighbours wrote to the council to complain the twinkling lights were attracting so many people, the crowds were keeping them awake at night and taking up all the parking spaces, even parking in front of driveways.

Now, after an emergency meeting last night with Rochford District councillors, residents of the close have cancelled their Christmas celebrations because they don't want to upset their neighbours.

Published Thursday, November 17, 2005