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Christmas lights ‘a waste of cash’
CHRISTMAS lights in Holborn are a waste of money and should never have been switched on, say ward councillors.
A £55,000 scheme to illuminate Red Lion Square was part of a deal between the Town Hall and property developers – but Holborn and Covent Garden Labour councillors Julian Fulbrook, Sue Vincent and Brian Woodrow said the plans are a “vile waste of money” and the cash should have been spent elsewhere.
Cllr Fulbrook said: “There are just so many grounds to object. We have lost a youth worker from Coram’s Fields and then we see schemes like this, which are a ridiculous waste of money. I am furious.”
Developers building offices in nearby Procter Street gained planning permission in 2001 on the condition public art was included at the site.
However, none was provided – and after seeking legal advice, the Town Hall was told the cash could be used on other art projects in the area.
Tory environment chief Cllr Mike Greene said: “There was no option to spend the money elsewhere. This exciting and imaginative lighting scheme will bring to life the rich history of Red Lion Square.”
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