Great Dunmow Town Council recognises that tensions have been high in recent weeks around the Christmas lights and festive plans for this year. This comes from one simple fact: people care deeply about this town. The Council, the Town Team, local businesses, residents and community groups are all passionate about making Dunmow special and it is because of that passion that emotions have sometimes run high.
Today, Council representatives met with the leader of the Town Team, and we agreed to take a step back, bring the temperature down, and reset our approach in the true spirit of Christmas. Our shared goal is to foster community spirit, bring festive cheer, and ensure Dunmow is the place to be this Christmas.
The independent safety report confirmed that the existing infrastructure in the High Street has failed and cannot be used for cross street displays. While this is disappointing, it also provides us with the opportunity to look creatively at the gaps in festive lighting across the town and to work collaboratively to find solutions. Council officers are now reviewing options and will be bringing forward proposals next week to both Council and the Town Team.
The Council has committed record levels of investment £223,992.40 over the next five years into Christmas lights and festive activities. This year’s scheme includes new displays at Doctors Pond, the Market Place and across key gateways into the town. Alongside this, we will be delivering weekend events and attractions, including Santa’s Grotto, food and drink stalls, and festive activities for families.
Further meetings will also take place next week with local businesses to look specifically at how footfall can be increased and how our shops can be best supported this Christmas. The aim is to ensure that local traders benefit from the additional visitors who will be coming into Dunmow to enjoy the festive atmosphere, spend time with friends and family, and shop locally.
The result will be a free to enter winter wonderland for the whole community, one of the best in the South East of England. By working together, we can create something that not only looks spectacular but also brings people together and supports local businesses at the most important time of year.