St Neots Town Council has cancelled the official switch-on after a woman was seriously injured when one of the lights fell down yesterday (Thurday, November 29). The unidentified woman, who is believed to be in her 30s, was taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital after the light along the High Street fell on her and a passing car. It is believed her injuries include a broken shoulder and that her condition is stable.
The council has since taken down all the across-street lights and although there will be no celebrations, the remainder of the lights will be turned on as planned. Mayor of St Neots Cllr Bob Eaton said the parade and other celebratory plans, which included musical duo Chas ‘n’ Dave switching on the lights, have been cancelled out of respect for the woman. The Chas ‘n’ Dave concert at the Priory Centre this evening (Friday, November 30) will still go ahead as planned.
Cllr Eaton said: “The lights are perfectly safe in the town centre. There is no danger to the public and to that end we have taken down the cross-road lights and we are awaiting a report from a structural engineer. “We would like to thank all the businesses in the High Street for their co-operation.” Cllr Eaton also stressed that all the other Christmas celebrations for the town, including an ice skating rink and extended Sunday opening hours, will go ahead as planned.