A TREE outside The Regal Theatre in Minehead which has been bedecked with lights over the festive period has been stripped of its decoration even though the pantomime is still continuing its run.

The tree was lit up by a number of LED globes as part of a pilot scheme by the Chamber of Commerce in Minehead, funded by Minehead Town Council.

The idea was to see if the decorations were successful enough to be applied to 25 trees along The Avenue in the centre of Minehead.

The lights, which were only supposed to be up for the Christmas period – have been taken down by Minehead Town Council.

“The people who gave us permission to put the pilot scheme up gave us a certain period of time that they could remain up,” said Mayor of Minehead Cllr Les Smith.

However there has been disappointment about their removal from traders. Sally Maclean, owner of Sally’s Vintage Chic, which is next to The Regal Theatre, has said that it is a “shame” that the lights have been taken down.

“My customers have commented that they are really lovely,” said Sally.

“I think they bring people to see the town, to see them. “It’s such a shame that they have been taken down right at the time when it’s pantomime season.”

Ray Tew, vice-chair of the board of directors at The Regal Theatre, said: “We love the lights and so do the customers and we hope that in time they can be reinstated.”

Minehead Chamber of Commerce has also contributed £300 to the scheme.

Chamber chairman Graham Sizer said: “The long-term project has had overwhelming support from the community. It is just a pity they couldn’t be left up until after the panto, when so many more, children especially, would have seen them.”

Funding for the proposed lights along The Avenue is being considered for Section 106 money from Morrisons by West Somerset Council at a meeting in the following months.