THE countdown to Christmas is starting early for Argyll and Bute Council staff who are already gearing up to provide festive lights.

Workers are checking and repairing lights ahead of the traditional big switch-ons and plans are being put in place with local communities for this year’s events.

At the same time, plans are progressing for communities to take over planning their own festive lights programmes from 2018.

Talks have been held and are ongoing with a number of groups for community-led switch-ons from next year.

Policy Lead for Roads and Amenity Services, Councillor Roddy McCuish, said: “It’s all go for Christmas 2017 with work well under way on making sure plans are in place and lights are ready.

“We have also had very fruitful discussions with communities which are extremely positive about making their own arrangements for the festive season after this year.

“Historically we have worked with communities to help them enjoy festive displays in their towns and villages, at a cost of around £100,000 a year. The financial challenges facing the Council led us to take the decision to look at alternative ways of providing this in future.”

Funds have been set aside to help communities develop festive plans from 2018.