Neighborhood row after family’s £10,000 Christmas lights branded ‘light pollution’ | United Kingdom | News
A family has slammed ‘Scrooge’ housing bosses after they were asked to turn off their Christmas display at night following complaints they were causing light pollution.
Each year, the Stoniers transform their home into a festive winter wonderland with 7,000 lights and numerous inflatables, a tradition that dates back more than two decades.
They say excited children are flocking to see the decorations covering their property in Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, after spending £10,000 over the years.
But Michael Stonier, 21, said he was stunned when they received a letter from social housing bosses trying to impose restrictions on this year’s lighting.
They said some neighbors had complained about light pollution caused by the exposure, which would also keep residents awake at night.
Homes Plus Group told him the lights had to be turned off at 10pm each evening and even told him not to turn them on too early before Christmas.
Michael, who lives with his mother Gail, 52, and brother Timothy, 23, has now slammed the social housing provider and accused them of trying to ruin Christmas.
“We have been doing this as a family for 23 years, even before I was born and we have not received any complaints so far,” he told SWNS.
“We love Christmas and turn on the lights starting in September because the local children love it. The lights interest everyone, it makes my community happier.
“We have disabled children and autistic children who take to the streets just to look at our decorations and it’s heartwarming to see them so happy. So I was taken aback when I received a letter saying we had received complaints about light pollution.
“Why don’t every other house putting up Christmas lights around the country get the same warning? There can’t be one rule for them and one rule for everyone else.”
Michael says he even spoke to a local police officer to ask if there was a law regarding Christmas lights causing light pollution, and he says he was told no. “There is also no law saying what time they can go up or what time you have to turn them off,” he added.
“Some of the older kids come in later at night, so I want to keep them after 10 p.m. some nights. As a family, we feel victimized and identified and feel like we can’t even breathe in our own home . Homes Plus acts like Scrooge.
“They also told me not to put them up until mid-November, but I like to get them up early, it’s probably a personal preference.
“It’s just pathetic. They’re just saying ‘well that’s charlatan’ to the whole community, because of what I assume is just one or two complaints.
“They won’t tell me how many people have complained, but most people seem to like them. There are houses around and I’m sure all over the country there are more lights on their houses than We.
“I don’t even think they’re visible to the neighbors across the street, so I don’t see how they can keep them up at night.
“We’re not harming anyone, we’re keeping to ourselves, but yet someone seems to have a problem with us. We just can’t understand it – we’re just trying to spread a bit of festive cheer.
“Our electricity bills have more than doubled at this time of year, but we don’t mind because we have the satisfaction of seeing the smiles on the children’s faces. I don’t take them apart or turn them off, they are here to stay.”
In an email to Michael’s mother, Homes Plus Group said: “I have been informed that the Christmas lights were turned on earlier than I had requested – to confirm that I had requested that They will be lit no earlier than November 16.
“I will now record this as an incident when you failed to follow my recommendations. I have also been informed that the lights are not turned off at 10 p.m. as requested by me. I will document again that you have failed to follow this instruction.
“You knew that people had complained about the light pollution and the decorations being put up so early in September. You knew that someone had cut the string of lights, which would have given you an indication of how people were feeling. people in your community.
“I explained that the lights keep your neighbors from sleeping and that turning off the lights at 10 p.m. is one way to alleviate complaints. I again ask that the lights be turned off at 10 p.m. to alleviate light pollution when the people are in bed.”
Homes Plus Group said it would not comment on Michael’s individual case. But its executive director of housing and care, Les Clarke, said: “We know the festive period is a special time and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the celebrations. As Christmas approaches, we are sharing advice and guidance with our customers on how to celebrate safely and thoughtfully.
“While Christmas decorations can help spread holiday cheer, they risk becoming a fire hazard and causing a nuisance to neighbors if care is not taken.
“The advice we are sharing with our local authorities and fire and rescue services tells you how to minimize dangers so everyone can have a happy and safe Christmas.”
