Christmas-mad family have lights banned after 20 years over health and safety

A family who have been spreading Christmas cheer with their lighting display for over 20 years say they have now been banned over health and safety fears – including ‘slippery grass’.

The Cliffords have spent two decades bringing festive fun to the village of Feock in Cornwall with their extravagant illuminations over and outside their house.

The lighting display on their garden and a communal area has been delighting residents since 1996 and even attracts people from miles around.

After taking a year off due to the pandemic, Roger Clifford, 73, wife Elizabeth, 71, and son Ryan, 28, say they have now been banned by a housing officer from Cornwall Housing.

Roger says the officer from Cornwall Housing, who own the surrounding land, told them they could not continue with the tradition because of ” health and safety reasons”.

“We have had no problems from anyone else previously but a new housing officer has come in and told us no,” said a fuming Roger.

“We are just wound-up really and gobsmacked.”

Cornwall Housing is part of Cornwall Council who have been approached for a comment, but locals are furious with the decision.

Helen Dunn wrote: “The council worker must be on this year’s naughty list so he’s spoiling it for everyone else too.”

Barry Clift said: “You must put your decs up and defy this jumped councillor and the council. If they don’t give you a good enough reason to hell with them.

“The councillor should be named and shamed. If the reason turns out that it might offend certain people it’s our Christmas not theirs. Please put them up!”

Many have been airing their views at a “nanny state” and called for the family to stand up to them by starting a campaign.

Lorraine Harris said: “What is the matter with people. Stand up for your rights. Don’t let them win. Start a campaign.”

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Sonia Penny added: “What a grotty housing officer surprised he hasn’t cancelled Christmas totally.

“I would put it up as everyone loves it and that those around love it. Wonder if he goes around to every house telling them they can’t do decorations etc. A real life scrounge..”

However, there was one local who was seemingly backing the council by suggesting the lights were wasting electricity.

Gary Luxon said: “Why do people do this crap every year? Utterly pointless waste of electricity.”