In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Council has revealed that “the budget for Christmas lights in 2012/13 was £38,500.

This includes the purchase of trees and additional/replacement lights (£10,725), project management fees (£6,000) and the remaining budget (£21,775) relating to installation and maintenance”.

The same Council has refused so far to make any investment in the regeneration of sub-urban areas like Dringhouses and is threatening the closure of local libraries.