ANDOVER Town Council is bringing festive cheer a little early this year as it has approved plans to purchase new Christmas lights for this year.

The decision was made at a full council meeting held on Wednesday, July 10.

The council currently owns 15 strands of lights for the tree, purchased in 2011. After 13 years of service, these lights are starting to show their age.

Some have failed completely, while others are becoming outdated due to technological advancements, according to the council.

READ MORE: 29 of the best photos from Andover's Christmas Lights Switch-on

Andover Christmas lights 2023 (Image: Newsquest) To ensure 'safety and a cohesive display', the council has opted to replace all the lights at once. This includes upgrading them with new adornments.

Two options were considered, with the council choosing Option B.

This option includes warm white and pure white static lights, along with animated star adornments. These adornments will create a focal point for the display, similar to the animation of the lights on the town's columns.

The total cost for the new lights and adornments is £2,554.30, well within the council's earmarked reserves of £12,591.74 for Christmas lights.

Storage will remain with the current supplier, incurring no additional fees.

The motion to purchase new lights were unanimously approved by the councillors.