Late delivery delays switching on

A lights 'extravaganza' will be held in place of the switch-on

The switching on of Gloucester's Christmas lights has been postponed because the order for illuminations from Slovakia has not arrived on time.

Instead, an 'extravaganza' involving giant spotlights, special projectors and lasers is being held.

The £70,000 shipment is now expected to arrive in the city this weekend, ready for switching on next week.

Leisure spokesman, Councillor Martin White, said it was disappointing and the delay would be investigated.

Communication breakdown

"We were assured by the company we chose that delivery would take place at the beginning of last week," he said.

"There seems to be a total breakdown of communications between them and their Slovakian factory. I'm very disappointed we got to this stage."

When the shipment arrives in the UK, it will be transported to the Lancashire company handling the order, which will check the lights before sending them to Gloucester.

The city council has a contract with the firm to install, dismantle and maintain the lights over the next three festive seasons.