There is a strong sense of dissatisfaction about the town’s festive offering this year
Christmas decorations along Kirkstone Road North in Litherland(Image: LDRS)
People in one part of Merseyside are fighting to bring a bit of festive cheer to their town and say they’ve never seen it looking so unloved. Residents in Litherland and Ford wards have criticised Sefton Council’s management of the Christmas decorations, highlighting areas where they are absent, and the poor condition of those that have been put up.
However, members of the local community believe there’s still time to turn it around and hope to persuade the council to invest in some decorations as we head into the peak time of Christmas festivities.
In the last week, the Liverpool ECHO has been contacted by several people in Litherland, looking to raise awareness about the Christmas decorations in Litherland and Ford ward, but also their feeling that the community was missing out on investment and was being “forgotten” about.
Christmas decorations along Kirkstone Road North in Litherland(Image: LDRS)
To sample the strength of public feeling, the ECHO contacted several community groups on social media and asked for their thoughts on these issues. Ed Conley replied: “For years Sefton Council has delivered Litherland a relatively poor main Christmas tree and crib; the latter is locked behind Perspex.
“It should be a celebration for everyone in this town; instead, it sends a humiliating message to the tens of thousands who pass through each day.
“It makes us look poor and like we cannot be trusted not to steal or vandalise the statues. If that is a risk, put a camera on it and catch them, but don’t spoil it for the rest.
“The current display stands in stark contrast to the days of Litherland Urban District Council, which achieved far more with far less, each year providing a substantial tree and dignified lit crib that residents still fondly remember.”
Julie Stretton also commented: “Litherland is the forgotten town. I’ve lived here all my life and never seen it looking so unloved. We need colour, pretty lights (that work)! and a place for all generations to be able to experience Christmas decorations you see in the likes of Southport and Birkdale.
“The crib by KFC, which has stood for many, many years, now sits in a shed-like setup, the colourful painted background with the star of Bethlehem gone and replaced with nothing.
Christmas nativity scene on Hawthorn Road(Image: LDRS)
“The tree standing next to it is so small you’d miss it, yet all the while, other towns have festive grandeur and decorations that make you smile and feel festive.”
Responding to one of Julie’s comments, Judi Clarke added: “My dad used to take me to see the crib and tree when I was small, then a chippy tea from Pye’s afterwards!
“The tree was huge with strings of coloured light bulbs on it and the aforementioned crib was large and beautiful with a painted backdrop and large pottery figures—really beautiful. It did have a wooden picket fence around it to set the scene; it was all that was needed then.”
Tom Pendleton wrote: “[It’s] like most towns and cities all over the country for the last couple of years. Councils all over the nation have had to prioritise what public money is spent on; it’s not just here in Bootle or Litherland.
“Some people on [the thread] have complained about the crib getting smaller and less prominent at the Church Road/Hawthorn Road junction. Well, let’s be honest here, the little darlings who live in the area have, over the last 10 years or so, regularly vandalised the site, sadly. That is not the fault of any councillor.”
He added: “Conservative, Lib Dem and Reform councils all over the country have struggled to please everyone these last few years when it comes to Christmas or Guy Fawkes celebrations. It’s nothing new, and it’s not just a Litherland problem.”
The ECHO approached Sefton Council for comment.