More than 50% less electricity will be used in this year's Christmas light display in Thatcham, as the Berkshire town turns to solar power to help reduce energy bills.
Thatcham Town Council has ordered new Christmas lights for the town including solar powered Christmas trees and lights for the Bath Road and High Street, which will aim to reduce their electrical consumption.
Each tree sits in a planter and is covered with dozens of flashing LED lights. The units are self-contained and there is no need to wire them into lamp posts or stretch cables across the street. The planter hides a battery and built into the top of the tree is a solar panel. The panel converts daytime light into electricity, which is then stored in the battery and when darkness falls, the lights switch on using a timer. In addition, new low energy LED lights have been purchased for the Broadway green and the oak tree at the Northern end of the Broadway.
Town Mayor, John Boyd, said, "Each year the Christmas Lights Committee researches and discuss the options that are available to provide the town with an atmosphere that helps to kick-start the Christmas spirit. This year with the eco-friendly lights we have been able to spread the display up the whole High Street and thank those who have given permission for the lights to be mounted on their buildings."
