Watt happened? (From Barry And District News)

Watt happened?

A BARRY caterer has hit out at a very unfestive problem that spoiled the effect of Christmas in the town centre.

Brian Florida, who works in Nannett's Tea Rooms in St Mary's Avenue, had been waiting for two lights strung across the pedestrianised area of Holton Road to be lit up.

The 64-year old told the News: "I saw the same thing happen to these two lights last year. They are lit for the first two days after they are officially switched on, and then that's it. They don't shine again afterwards.

"There are more lights, closer to the bottom gate, and up the top near the multi-storey car park, which are turned on every night. They look lovely, but they are spoiled by the fact that these two right in the middle of the precinct are not lit. It's just a blot of darkness in the centre of all the other decorations.

"Not only does it look odd, but it's a waste of time, effort and probably tax payers' money, to put them up in the first place."

A spokesman for the Vale of Glamorgan said: "After we give our contribution to the lights, our involvement with the running and up-keep ends. The responsibility for the maintenance lies with the Chamber of Trade, which organises Holton Road's street decorations ."

Acting president of the Chamber of Trade, Nick Frangoulis, said: "We are aware that we have had a problem this year with the electrical connections on those two lights.

"The fittings were not quite right and we have put the wheels in motion to rectify the situation by calling on an electrician.

"I am not aware that there was a problem last year, but we are looking into this season's decoration failure to put it right for the future."