ALMOST two-thirds of people on an Etherley estate have lit up their homes with decorative festive lights this Christmas.
The tradition of lighting up Garth Meadows was started years ago by Gary and Sylvia Shaw and has grown to the point where 14 households on the cul-de-sac are now taking part, creating a Christmas lights trail. The display ranges from lit-up trees, bright effigies of reindeer and unicorns, and traditional pontoon lights to dazzling laser projections, brightly lit Santas and flashing Sputnik satellites.
Mr Shaw said: “A lot of people have said in the past that we put it up too early, but this year they are saying it is just what is needed. With the modern LED lights the power usage is so low you might as well not discuss it.”
Mr Shaw’s plans for next season’s display begins even before the current display is dismantled, and he went on the hunt for this year’s lights soon after Christmas last year.
He said: “With the sales we got about £1,000 worth of gear for about £150.”
Most of the lights are timed to come on at about 4pm. Kay Robinson, who has lived on the estate for the past two years and also lit up her home with her children Carter and Amber, said: “It is beautiful – the kids really love it.”
