The controversial subject of the colour of Kelso’s new Christmas lights is to go to a public vote now that the £20,000 cost has been raised.
Kelso Christmas lights committee announced this week it had finally raised all the cash needed to purchase new LED lights for around the town centre and replace the old system that was not compliant with the new power supply.
The Heritage Lottery gave £10,000, with the rest from Awards for All, Charity Begins at Home and the common good fund.
“The colour of the Christmas lights has caused a bit of controversy over the last few years, so as the lights were purchased by public donations as opposed to being owned by shopkeepers, the committee has agreed to arrange a vote,” said local Scottish Borders councillor, Tom Weatherston (Con). “There will be voting papers in Kelso Life magazine at the end of the month, or anyone can write their details on a piece of paper with their preference, and it’s one vote per household.”
Blair’s jewellers shop in The Square has agreed to accept voting papers from October 1-12 and the community council will count the votes at an open public session.
The choice of colour of the new lights are diamond white; electric blue and white; electric blue and multi-coloured.
Mr Weatherston added: “Anyone in the Kelso TD5 area can vote and I’d urge as many as possible to do so. There’s no fancy voting system, simply the choice with the most votes being selected.”