Vandals who wrecked festive lights have been blamed for ruining Otley's Christmas displays.

Following a number of complaints about the lack of lights in the town centre, pictured, it has been revealed that nearly all were broken while in storage during the year.

Town clerk Les Cross said the vandalism was only discovered when contractors employed by the town council came to put up the displays for the grand switch-on almost two weeks ago.

He said: "We have had particular difficulties this year because a lot of the lights weren't working when we came to put them up.

"We are still repairing them, although I think nearly all that can be repaired, have been."

Residents and traders in Otley have spoken of their disappointment with the decorations. Andrea Windus, 50, of Granville Mount, said: "The lights could do with a clean-up. Leeds gets all the best stuff and we get nothing."

Mr Cross said the Town Council was doing everything it could to find some more - possibly spares from Leeds City Council.

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