Christmas plans coming early to Mansfield

Despite still being summer, the council are making early preparations by submitting several applications to the planning department to install permanent stainless steel eye bolts into buildings around the town centre, as well as catenary wires from which to hang the lights during the Christmas period.

The applications include work being carried out on the railway viaduct on White Hart Street, the old town hall on Market Place, and several shops including China Basket on Church Street, Vapours Lounge on West Gate, as well as others along that stretch.

A power box is also planned to be fitted on the wall of Yeomans Outdoors on West Gate.

The move is part of a programme of improvements for the town centre’s seasonal decorations in a bid to boost the local economy.

In a statement written by Mansfield District Council to support the multiple applications, it reads: “The Market Place and surrounding streets is the retail of Mansfield town and it is very important to the prosperity that visitors are actively encouraged.

“One of the attractions of the town centre are the many historic buildings which have been thoughtfully preserved.

“Mansfield is justifiably proud of the Christmas decorations, which have been enjoyed by the residents and businesses of Mansfield in many ways.

“The lights enhance the prosperity of the town centre during the Christmas period, thousands of people visit Mansfield to see the lights and spend in the local economy.

“The lights are extremely popular with the residents of Mansfield district and surrounding as evidenced by the numbers who attend the opening event.

“The event encourages visitors to Mansfield to appreciate the quality buildings we have in the town centre.”

Although the lights will only remain in place for 10 weeks, it is proposed that the bolts and catenary wires remain in place indefinitely.

A consultation period has been launched which is due to end on 9th September, after which the applications will go before the planning committee.