A housing association is asking a tenant to turn off his Christmas lights at 10pm every night due to complaints from neighbors about ‘light pollution’. The tenant, Michael Stonier, has been putting up Christmas lights and decorations at his Blythe Bridge home since September as a family tradition. Despite the housing association’s request to wait until November 16 to put up the lights and to turn them off at 10pm, Michael has continued with his display.
Michael believes that the lights bring joy to the community and has no issue with the cost of electricity. He feels that the housing association is being unreasonable and compares them to ‘Scrooge’. He also mentions that they have chosen not to decorate inside the property to avoid damaging the walls and carpets.
The housing association, Homes Plus Group, has sent an email to Michael’s mother, who is the named tenant, expressing their disappointment that the lights were put up earlier than requested and that they are not being turned off at 10pm. They have documented these incidents and explained that complaints about light pollution and early decorations were received from neighbors. The housing association emphasizes the importance of considering neighbors’ needs and ensuring a safe and happy Christmas for everyone.
While Homes Plus Group has chosen not to comment on Michael’s case, they are sharing advice on celebrating the festive season safely and considerately. They highlight the potential fire hazards and nuisance that Christmas decorations can cause if not handled carefully. By following guidance from local authorities and fire services, everyone can enjoy a festive and safe Christmas.
In conclusion, the dispute over Christmas lights highlights the importance of considering neighbors’ concerns and safety when decorating for the holidays. While festive decorations can bring joy, it is essential to be mindful of their potential impact on others and take necessary precautions to ensure a peaceful and safe holiday season for everyone in the community.
