Christmas lights go out — after more than a year

RMBC has now invited suggestions for other, more suitable sentiments which could be displayed through the year.

The festive projection had shone on the Rotherham town centre street almost every evening from December 2021.

It was finally turned off early last week — after independent councillor Cllr Michael Bennett-Sylvester submitted a question to full council.

He asked last Wednesday: “Is there any chance in the foreseeable future this can be switched off, especially considering some of the ridicule it draws to the town centre?”

Deputy leader Cllr Sarah Allen told the town hall chamber: “I would like you all to sleep a little easier tonight knowing it has been switched off.

“We have resolved the current issue.

“What we would also be interested in is any ideas for alternative projections that you would like to see there.

“Clearly we have the kit and the wherewithal.”

Cllr Bennett-Sylvester replied: “We have a great idea but can’t seem to manage it properly, and then people take the mickey.

“In many ways, it’s a metaphor for the way we’ve been running the town centre.

“Now that it’s sorted, hopefully we can move on with other things as well.”