RESIDENTS concerns about a council’s Christmas light extravaganza running up massive electricity bills have been allayed.

Redcar and Cleveland Council came up with a bright idea to ensure the bill did not spiral out of control and add to the taxpayers’ burden despite burning brightly 24 hours a day.

The sparkling blue and white decorations are low energy lights, ensuring improved reliability and at a fraction of the cost it would take to organise timers on every one of the festive lighting columns.

Coun Mary Lanigan, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transportation and planning, said: "I’m delighted to be able to reassure residents that our new festive lighting is really delivering value for money.

"We have had a few calls from residents who have seen the displays and realised they are switched on all day. Some think, How can we do that? Well the answer's simple - it's a good idea, makes sound financial sense and, we hope, instils a real feeling of well-being across the Borough."

The cost of leaving the lights on throughout the festive period - in the same way as lots of other councils who use these type of lights - is calculated at just £800.

The other cost options are to spend £20,000 fitting separate timing clocks on each individual column or spending £13,000 on fitting light sensitive photocells on each column so that the lights would only be on when the street lights were on.

Coun Lanigan added: "There are other benefits besides the cost factor, of course, which have convinced us that this is the way forward.

"Obviously, what we’re doing is the cheapest and the best value for money. We’re also brightening up the area, which I know is appreciated by lots of people and the LED lights we are using are low energy and so provide a low carbon footprint."

More than 200 new festive motifs have been installed as part of the multi-million pound upgrading of street lighting across the borough.

Festive lighting is also being provided by Town and Parish Councils and Residents Associations in Skelton, North Skelton, Brotton, Loftus, Guisborough, Marske, New Marske, Easington and Saltburn.