UNHAPPY traders on one half of Pershore High Street say this year’s Christmas lights have left them in the dark.

Several independent businesses in the top half of the High Street, beyond Church Street, have revealed their anger that the lights haven’t got as far as their shopfronts, while other other traders enjoy the benefit of the festive display.

Gina Scott, co-director at A&S Travel, said: “For those visiting Pershore it makes it seem like this end of the town has got nothing. With the nights drawing in it’s in total darkness.”

Fiona Abbott, owner of the Three Little Pigs gift shop, said: “We are very, very disappointed with the lights. There is a resentment that certain areas of the town are being favoured and others ignored. We advised the town council it was not fair, and it does not look particularly inviting or professional. Pershore used to be known for its Christmas lights. I think traders should work together with the town council next year.”

Judy Lee, owner of Out of India, said: “It appears that the council think the town exists only between Broad Street and Church Street and everything above that seems to be forgotten. We would like the lights to be extended and made to feel part of the rest of the town.”

Pershore town council confirmed it was aware of the dissatisfaction among some traders and explained that it was not possible for the lights to be extended any further.

Town clerk Ann Dobbins said: “Following structural tests in 2007 it was discovered that a substantial proportion of the buildings were deemed unsuitable to have an anchor point fitted to carry the lights.

“As the majority of the buildings in the High Street are listed the amount of work that could be undertaken to strengthen them is limited.

“The town council has done everything in its power to install as many Christmas lights as possible - all the lampposts the length of the High Street have decorations - and regrets that it is not possible to do more.”