Muswell Hill is to enjoy festive cheer this Christmas after Lib Dem councillors in Muswell Hill, Fortis Green and Alexandra wards secured the funding for Christmas lights for Muswell Hill. The move follows the Labour Council’s refusal to pay for new ones earlier in the year..

The fiasco started in July when the Area Assembly heard assurances from Haringey Council that they would be putting up lights on Muswell Hill Broadway following pressure from Lib Dems and local residents.

The lights were checked by the Council in August and viewed to be safe.However when contractors retested the lights last month they found them to be unsafe. Haringey Council added that there were no funds to purchase new ones.

Lib Dem councillors, determined to see Christmas lights on the Broadway this year, offered a solution. They have asked secured money from the Area Assembly budget to pay for new lights.

Cllr Engert (Muswell Hill) comments:

“I am delighted that we will now have lights in Muswell Hill.I am sure that the shops and the local community will benefit from festive customers these lights will bring.”

Cllr Martin Newton (Fortis Green) adds:

“It’s great the Council has agreed to stop playing Scrooge over the lights. I am delighted for the residents and traders that we have found a way around this ‘can’t do’ attitude the Council seems to have.”