CHRISTMAS trees which are traditionally placed on the fronts of shops in the centre of Minehead could be for the axe as the town council looks at a new festive lighting contract.

Minehead’s Christmas lights provision has been under review following the end of a five-year contract in December.

The town will not have festive lights this year unless councillors appoint contractors no later than June in order to allow enough time for them to be supplied and delivered.

Town clerk Ben Parker said: “Many ratepayers judge value for money based on visible services.

“Christmas lights are a key part of this and Minehead has consistently received positive feedback for its displays.

“Christmas lighting brings joy at a darker time of year.”

Mr Parker said while the main lighting displays were provided by contractors, the shop front artificial trees had continued to be installed by in-house staff.

However, Mr Parker said trained specialist contractors would be the preferred option due to the safety requirements and specialist skills involved.

He said the artificial trees were now ‘very aged’ and at the end of their working life, while there had also been complications with shops providing electricity supplies.

Mr Parker said: “Informal agreements with shops to supply power are no longer sustainable, with some businesses expressing discomfort with the arrangement.

“It has also resulted in inconsistent provision, with some shops repeatedly missing out.

“The safest, fairest, and most consistent approach now would be to cease the provision of shop trees unless significant new investment is made.

“Investment would be required in new trees, improved electrical infrastructure, and enhanced health and safety processes.

“If councillors choose not to continue this provision, discussions with the business association may be appropriate to inform them of the council’s intention and explore alternative delivery models.”

Mr Parker said stanchion lights in The Avenue used for Christmas did not fall within the contract and were a one-off purchase in the days of Minehead BID.

He said the lights were popular and councillors might want to have separate talks about their future when discussing reserve funds later in the year.

Mr Parker said Blenheim Gardens was devolved to the town council last May and some early discussions had been held with potential providers about a ‘Christmas light trail’ in the park.

However, it was likely the necessary infrastructure was not in place and it could require substantial investment before such an event could be delivered.

Mr Parker said a lights trail would need to be considered as a separate, budgeted project.

He said with inflation and expanded expectations, councillors wold need to look at budgeting £20,000, compared with just under £13,000 in each of the past two years.

The 2026-27 budget currently included £25,000 for Christmas, covering both the lights themselves and the annual town centre switch‐on event.

The switch‐on typically cost about £5,000, leaving about £20,000 for Christmas lighting.

Councillors agreed to provide feedback on the lights by the end of February, for a decision to be made at their March 24 meeting.