A ROW erupted as councillors argued over Christmas lights last night.

The trouble at the area two committee meeting started over a request for a £4,000 grant for festive illuminations on George Lane in South Woodford.

The South Woodford Business Partnership wants to wrap lampposts with the lights and has asked area two to help with the costs.

But councillors from Bridge and Monkhams wards were unhappy about having to chip in for the decorations.

Cllr John Fairley-Churchill said: “You can get these things from any electrical shop for about four quid a metre.

“How it can cost £2,100 to stick some lights round a lamppost is beyond me.”

And Cllr Linda Huggett added: “In view of the current economic climate, we should be looking to save money.

“If this is only going to benefit South Woodford, I’m only willing to support it if the money comes out of Roding and Church End’s ward budgets.”

Councillor Ian Bond of Roding ward asked if this meant councillors from Bridge and Monkhams didn’t want lights in their wards.

Cllr Robin Turbefield replied: “The view in Bridge is that it’s a waste of money and we’d rather use it for something more long term.”

That prompted an ironic smile from Cllr Richard Hoskins, who told Cllr Turbefield: “You don’t use it for anything!”

He added: “We will contribute to the lights from our ward funds.

“The rest of you – Ho-Ho-Ho, enjoy Christmas in darkness!”

South Woodford Business Partnership chairman Kerk Davies was not at the meeting to hear the councillors bickering.

But on hearing of the dispute this morning, he said: “The spirit of Christmas is being lost.

“Lights improve footfall outside shops because people come down with their children to see them.

“They make people happy, and if people are happy they feel like spending.”

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