News from Southampton Labour

Southampton MP appeals to council: “Let’s save Christmas!”

Dr Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, has appealed to Southampton City Council to put Southampton’s festive lights up in time for Christmas.

Dr Whitehead said:

“At this stage we could still have the lights up probably for a week before Christmas if the Council changed its mind now. It wouldn’t be quite the same but it would be much better than nothing.

“I’m sure local people and local businesses would support such a decision, as we’ve seen already from the offer of sponsorship to cover part of the cost.

“At a time when we are all trying to support local businesses and get people spending, turning off the Christmas lights is unhelpful and quite petty. The sums being talked about for this are really quite a small part of the city’s overall budget, but the lights have always given a big boost to Southampton’s image as a welcoming and festive place at this time of year. It would be a real shame if this decision is not reversed, as it would be the first time in decades local businesses wouldn’t have that little bit of extra support.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• We must keep investing to help everyone back into work – Labour MPs - 10 March 2010
• Alan Whitehead MP calls for support for hardworking carers - 8 March 2010
• Whitehead pledges to continue the fight against fuel poverty - 8 March 2010