An area in south west London is set to "cancel" its Christmas light switch on due to costs.

The Whitton Village community group on Facebook announced yesterday (Sunday, 11 October) that the annual Light Up Whitton event "will not take place this year."

Organisers said: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Light Up Whitton will not take place this year."

They added that "the committee has been hit with unprecedented rising costs for lighting the high street alongside unexpected inherited expenses."

The Whitton Business Association, Love Whitton, has been seeking alternative plans but it does not "have the funds required to run the event safely, properly, and responsibly this year."

Still, the Whitton Village community group say some lights will be put up and the usual Christmas tree by Sainsbury's on Whitton High Street too.

However, no date is yet confirmed for this year's modified Christmas event.

Franchise Owner of Babyballet Twickenham, Richmond & Kingston, Miss Danielle, had her little ones preform at last year's celebration.

She told Nub News: "We are so sad to hear this years Light Up Whitton is cancelled, it is such a wonderful event and our little stars love performing and celebrating every year."

Reacting to the announcement, locals on social media have expressed their disappointment to the event being reduced because of a lack of funds.

One users said: "Could someone let us have a rough costing. We could then perhaps set up a crowdfunding to share the cost."

Another commented: "I think the council should do a lot more to save the Christmas Lights, especially when Allianz are making huge profit in our community which we generally support even with the disruption this causes.

"It would be nice if the council and Allianz gave something back to the Whitton Community in it's time of need!!"

A third person said: "A donation tin on every counter in every shop to drop a small donation would get a little money.

"Sponsor a light was a good idea. Sponsor a decoration on the tree?

"How many groups could donate their time to help out? What exactly is it that costs so much? Don't the stalls all pay to be there? doesn't the council waive the road closure fee?

"So what is the cost going toward? Is it simply the lights being put up and security? If so, could we do a stripped back light display instead?

"Where can costs be cut without cancelling the entire event? What specifically costs the money?"

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