Congresbury's main shopping precinct will be plunged into darkness this Christmas after the council decided to remove the festive lights.

Parish council chiefs decided not to put up the illuminations and Christmas tree in the precinct at Brinsea Road because the lights had reached the end of their life.

Over the past few years lights had been strung from a festive tree in the centre of the precinct to the shops.

Each December about 100 villagers gather around the tree for a carol service, with traders handing out mince pies and mulled wine.

Now, because the current lights are no longer suitable and there is no money in the budget for new ones, the precinct will be left without illuminations this festive period.

Councillors have decided to put up any remaining working lights and the tree in Broad Street.

Traders say they are disappointed that the precinct could lack festive sparkle this Christmas.

Trader Sally Westlake, who owns the Cottage Loaf Bakery with husband Keith, said: "I realise that the parish council is short of funding, but traders in the precinct feel they've been left out in the cold.

"For the last few years we have had carol singing around the tree, which always generates a real festive feel and a spirit of goodwill.

"The Christmas lights and the carol singing will all now be moved to Broad Street and we are disappointed that efforts are being focused on one end of the village.

"The traders in the precinct are now looking at whether we can get together our own lights."

Villager and former parish council chairman Mary Short has put a plea into the council to allocate £1,700 in its budget to help pay for some new lights for the precinct.

The money would cover the £1,200 cost of the lights plus the work needed to erect them and take them down.

The parish council will discuss the request for £1,700 at its meeting on Monday night.