After a “challenging financial situation” in which a potential over-spend of £17m has been identified, Medway Council has made the “sad and difficult decision” to cancel all Christmas lights due for 2023.
The decision comes after a recent report from September stated that Medway Council faces potential bankruptcy.
The cash-strapped Council, that switched from a long conservative reign to a new labour regime earlier this year, has cancelled Christmas lights across five towns.
The council boss, Vince Maple, said that Medway Council is one of the “lowest funded unitary authorities in the country per head of population”, with its revenue support grant cut by 91% since 2010.
Mr Maple said he had “no choice but to make these tough decisions”.
“I know how disappointing this will be for many families, residents and businesses, including myself who enjoyed attending the event with my family, but the reality of the situation is that we unfortunately have no choice but to make these tough decisions.
“We are making these incredibly difficult decisions to reduce the potential overspend and to ensure we can continue to provide essential services that we are required to provide by law.
“I am pleased local ward councillors are still able to fund a Christmas tree in each town.” He said, “We will continue to work closely with our town centre businesses to explore further ways to support them this Christmas.”
Local businesses along Rochester High Street are set to receive the brunt of the cancellation.
David, Owner of Chuck and Blade Burgers on Rochester High Street, said that he feels that this “seems [to be] a bit of an unnecessary budget cut”.
“It’s a shame, the High St makes a lot of effort with decoration and style, so for the Christmas lights to be cancelled It will certainly affect the plans of some stores
“However, it’s not going to stop our regular loyal customers, it will just affect the potential for new customers, and tourists.”
David felt that an alternative could be reached along Rochester High Street, saying:
“Chuck and Blade Burgers will happily host their own Christmas lights show if other high street shops would like to chip in.”
Rainham resident, Bethany Fowler said that the lights will “leave a hole” for this year’s Christmas celebrations.
“It’s quite sad really, I don’t think that it was required and it’s a shame for all of us that get to see the lights year in and year out.
“The Christmas markets in Rochester will still be good though, its just a shame that the lights won’t be around Medway.”
Medway Council further announced that the Christmas market in Rochester Castle Gardens over three weekends, would go ahead as planned.