Christmas lights ‘not as good as Marlow’s’

HENLEY’S Christmas lights were not as good as those in Marlow, according to residents.

They were responding to an apology by the town council for the illuminations, which it admitted were “not up to scratch”.

The lights on the 30ft Nordmann fir tree in Market Place were flickering and the festoon lighting in Duke Street, Bell Street, Hart Street, Friday Street and Reading Road did not work properly.

About 30 of the 120 miniature Christmas trees bought from the council by residents and retailers were not lit up and some did not even have lights attached.

Writing on the Henley Standard’s Facebook page, Mark Free said the illuminations were a disappointment compared to those in Marlow and Bourne End.

He said: “If the town council are looking to attract people to the shops over the festive period, they need to pull out all the stops next year and make Henley the talk of the Thames Valley for decorations and shopping opportunities.”

Lisa Sharpe said: “Look at shopping destination towns like Marlow and Burford for shop type, parking and Christmas lights. Why would people come to Henley when they could go to these better options?

“Henley has some great foodie options like the Henley Larder, Gorvett & Stone, Pavilion and Gabriel Machin and of course, Waitrose is a big plus. But it is lacking in quality shops and eats except for Hof’s, the Relais and Giggling Squid.

“We go to Marlow and Burford for clothes shopping and to eat as there are so many better options for towns of similar size and character. People go to Marlow for the Christmas lights now.”

Gary Truman said: “The thing is, it’s not just this year, it has been several years. We need better lighting decorations all around the town rather than relying on businesses to purchase Christmas trees which they can’t sort out lighting on.”

Rosie Gosby-Dolby said: “There are some really ‘poor’ towns compared to Henley which have fabulous light displays every year which make it so magical.”

Mark Douglas said: “Henley looks so gloomy. We went to Marlow to go shopping and eat. The only day we felt festive was Christmas Eve because we went to Christingle.”

The council is to hold a public meeting this month where it will review the Christmas lighting and tree scheme and look at how to improve the decorations for next Christmas.