But local taxpayers could end up with a much more expensive electricity bill than in previous years, as rising prices and the inability to turn off the lights will drive up costs.
Other towns have cut their displays altogether this year due to the cost-of-living crisis – and some locals are furious about their own “blinking Blackpool lights”.
One resident said on social media, “Who foots the bill, especially with the exorbitant prices currently being charged by our beloved energy suppliers?”
Another appeared to criticize the decision, writing simply, “This is a joke.”
‘It’s too late to change this year’
Suzanne Wilson, recently appointed town clerk, said: “Unfortunately when the lights were fitted in 2021 they were not fitted with a timer, meaning they have to be on 24/7.
“We have spoken to the lighting company and they would need to put a timer on each lamppost, so that would mean fitting 63 individual timers, which obviously takes time and costs.
“We have a five-year contract with the company, so it’s something we’ll look at next year because it’s too late to change this year.”
In response to locals’ concerns about energy costs, Ms Wilson said: “Ideally we would have them on a timer and I wish they were on a timer to save on energy costs but unfortunately we can’t at this point. not change at the moment The tree is on a timer but unfortunately the lampposts are not.
“We know that energy costs are rising everywhere, we’ve seen that in our buildings and everyone is affected. We’re trying to save money where possible and we’ll look at a solution next year.”