Christmas lights ceremony banned for being popular

"Ten thousand visitors came in December 2005 - but the fire service says that only a fifth of that number can safely attend.

"So instead of turning families away - or face a compensation claim if someone was injured - council officials have cancelled the event altogether. Organisers suggested ways to make the ceremony next Sunday safer. But a council spokesman said: 'It could still seriously jeopardise the health and safety of those who come.'

"The problems began when North Yorkshire Fire Service claimed the town centre could cope with only 2,000 visitors.

"Scarborough is believed to be the first town to cancel its lights show. The decision has outraged residents, who yesterday condemned it as yet another intrusion of the 'nanny state'."
This London

Tagged: christmas, calendar+customs