SETTLE Town Council has announced its regret that the Christmas Lights switch-on event planned for November has had to be suspended due to government restrictions on gatherings and events.

Town clerk, Rebecca Hill reported to the latest council meeting with a request for details of additional road closures to look at the possibility of a scaled down ‘switch-on’.

However town mayor Councillor Dan Balsamini indicated there were concerns about the Covid-19 implications of carrying out the switch-on with previous attendance at approximately two thousand people.

Cllr Rymer agreed, and the general feeling was that the Christmas tree and lights around the Shambles and Town Hall was an important seasonal contribution to the life of the town but the COVID regulations effectively forbid the switch-on event and fireworks display.

After discussion it was agreed that the council would ask Vibrant Settle to provide a Christmas tree with lights and town hall, Shambles and town centre lighting.

Subject to COVID regulations it was hoped the fireworks display could be held as soon after restrictions are lifted.

On Tuesday Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the latest restrictions on gatherings including new pub and restaurant closing times.