CHRISTMAS is coming to Winsford but will feel very different this year, Town Councillors heard at a meeting last night.

Three giant Christmas trees will be erected, one in the Old High Street, another beside the Guildhall and a third in the Town Park. One tree is already in place, waiting to be decorated.

Street lights will be switched on but without spectators as the traditional Christmas street festival and fireworks display which were due to take place on the same evening have been cancelled.

Like towns and villages across the country, lockdown and social distancing regulations have forced councillors to call off the town's festivities.

However, members approved plans for a drive-in carol concert in the car park of Winsford Academy on Sunday, December 13.

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Councillors praised Rev George Crowder, from St John's Church, for organising the event.

Cllr Damon Horrill, chairman of the community committee said: "This is creative innovative thinking by the community. Hats off to George Crowder and his team."

Cllr Tom Blackmore said: "I think this is a good idea because people are missing out on the switching on of the lights."

To comply with pandemic regulations, people will not be allowed out of their cars but can join in from the safety of their vehicles.

The Mayor of Winsford Cllr Don Beckett has been asked to open the event and present a reading.

Cllr Dave Edwards said: "I would like to thank Rev Crowder for leading on this and doing absolutely fantastic work, This is a positive thing to happen in a difficult situation.

"The community is pulling together. Lots of volunteers are doing great things. They are making a difficult time much safer for very vulnerable people.

"Hopefully, when this is all over we can do something to show our respect for all the volunteers who have helped out."

Cllr Joanne Moorcroft said: "I would like to thank residents of Winsford once again for their continued support of the second lockdown. It is a difficult and challenging time for us all."