There will be no Christmas lights on Stroud Green Road this year after Islington Council and Haringey Council both refused to find the money to fund the festive display.

Stroud Green Road is split between the two Labour-run boroughs with half the road in Haringey and the other half in Islington. In previous years Islington Council has funded Christmas lights on part of the road but Haringey Council has refused to contribute.

In 2011 Haringey Council spent more on Christmas lights than the year before spending an extra £41,740 bringing the total spend on Christmas lights last year to £66,740.

The Liberal Democrats in Stroud Green have been campaigning to have Christmas lights on the road since 2008.

Lib Dem councillor for Stroud Green, Ed Butcher, comments:

Times are hard, but supporting businesses on Stroud Green Road should be a priority.  It’s frankly outrageous that Haringey has managed to find extra money for the rest of the borough, but managed to leave out one of the most vibrant high streets on their patch.

Both Haringey and Islington Council should be ashamed and embarrassed for delivering a big fat ‘bah humbug’ to local traders when they need their support most.  Sadly, Santa won’t be stopping here.