FESTIVE illuminations in Barnard Castle will be put up earlier than normal due to Covid measures.
Roger Peat, from Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Committee, said the company contracted to install the town’s lights are having to work to new Covid secure working practices and will take longer than normal to put up the displays.
He added: “Because of this they are going to start putting the lights up this week and some of the lights that go up first will be on from the time they are put in place. The white swans will go up first and we thought that was fitting with The Bowes Museum being open again.
“There are still problems with the lights at Galgate Greens, but hopefully they will be sorted for next
year.” He added the committee is looking at grant funding to overcome the problems.
Remote switch-on stations have been installed at ten locations so the committee can control when most of the lights are turned on.
He said: “The Christmas tree will be going up as usual at the end of November and it will be dressed later.”
Fundraising activities for the lights committee have been hampered due to the coronavirus pandemic with events, including the annual bonfire night, cancelled.
Anyone who would like to donate funds can visit www.barneylights.com
