Street to remain in the dark

A Stourbridge street which once lit up the night sky in the run up to Christmas looks set to remain in near darkness this year - with only a few houses continuing to put up their lights, it has been revealed.

See also: Christmas lights photos

Organisers of the festive lights display in Leonard Road, Wollaston, decided to pull the plug on the popular event to stop people cashing in on the charity event - after a series of rows.

In the days leading up to the traditional switch-on, usually held on December 1, residents would be making last-minute preparations to their array of lights in time for the big day.

But this year could not be more different with lights on the outside of only a handful of homes - and scaled back from the dazzling displays of the past.

Only around six homes have put up lights at the moment, including Harry and Glenis Shaw, who started the display years ago as a treat for their daughter Rachel.

Residents decided not to stage the official display this year due to people trying to cash in on the event, which had raked in thousands for charity through the years.

Last year visitors were left disappointed after residents switched off their lights in protest at hot food and drink vendors setting up businesses in the street.

The Georgina Ward at Russells Hall Hospital, which has received the proceeds for the last three years, have also said it will not be sending any collectors to the street this year.