Lights volunteers add sparkle

A group of residents turned Santa’s Little Helpers to put up the town centre festive decorations last week, which are going ahead this year despite the impact of Coronavirus.

“On behalf of the Welcome to Wetherby group I would like to thank all the volunteers who have made it possible for Wetherby to be lit up again this year,” said group spokesman Claire Stubbs.

“It has been so refreshing to see so many new volunteers too and we hope they will join us again with future projects.”

Welcome to Wetherby was set up to promote the town to tourists and a shopping place and has helped organise events, including celebrations for major cycle races.

Claire added: “The last nine months have been particularly difficult for us all - families, shops, businesses - and we all hope the lights and trees bring some happiness back into our lives.”

The Wetherby News reported last week that the ward councillors donated money to the lights and tree fund to decorate the town, although the highly popular annual light switch on could not go ahead because of Covid-19 social distancing rules.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to our Ward Councillors who have very kindly paid for all the lights on the Christmas trees this year for our local businesses,” added Claire.

“And finally to our wonderful Steve Kay who without his hard work, dedication and organisation, well we couldn’t have done this without him.”