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Tens of thousands spent on new festive lights and features for city and borough

Changes will also help 'reduce and improve operational costs'

Festive lighting across the borough has been given a £127,000 upgrade.

New pole and wall mounted features were bought in a bid to give the area a more festive feel over the Christmas period.

According to the council, the aim of the investment was to revise the look and feel of the features, filling the borough’s city and main towns with lots of festive glow while helping to reduce and improve operational costs.

People visiting Armagh for Georgian Day were given the first chance to see the changed lighting in operation.

Gone were the strings of white bulbs in favour of strings of snowdrop effect draped across the streets.

The new pole and wall mounted features were being installed in Armagh City, Keady, Richhill, Markethill, Tandragee, Gilford, Rathfriland, Dromore, Lurgan and Portadown.

Lord Mayor Gareth Wilson said: “The funding for this project allows us to regrade the Christmas light display in many of the borough’s towns and villages as well as the city. The festive season will soon be in full swing starting with the annual switch on events.

“The strong visual impact of the lighting will add lots of seasonal sparkle that residents and visitors alike can enjoy, getting into the Christmas spirit while searching for that special gift!”

Council says it will continue to consider outlying villages for improved festive lighting in future years.

In a similar process to last year a festive light feasibility study will be carried out and the findings and costs presented to council.

The switch on events have already been taking place across the borough. Others will take place in Richhill on November 29, Tandragee, Keady and Gilford on December 1, and Rathfriland and Dromore on December 2.

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