COMMUNITY leaders in Galashiels have come under fire over their decision not to host a Christmas lights switch-on event this year.

The town’s lights at Bank Street Gardens were turned on on Saturday with no fanfare or celebration.

In September, the community council made the decision to not host a public event in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Helen Calder, chair of Galashiels Christmas Event, Lights and Market sub-group, shared on social media this week that team ‘Make Gala Sparkle’ were left feeling “very disappointed, deflated and upset” that no event was taking place.

In her post on Monday (November 28) Ms Calder said: “Team Sparkle had everything ready, fabulous headliners, face painting, magician, food carts, alpacas and a torchlight parade led by pipe band. We had a funding partner and we were confident that our application would succeed (this money could only be used for community events).

“With only a couple of months to go Galashiels Community Council (our governing body) made a decision not to support the switch on event and were pulling the funding application.

“Team Sparkle are very disappointed, deflated and upset.

“We believe that this year our community especially the children needed to have their spirits lifted, a little kindness and support. And it was to be free for all.”

Ms Calder explained that planning for 2022’s event began at the start of the year.

She added that members of the sub-group had resigned with immediate effect.

In response to the complaint, Galashiels Community Council issued a statement.

It read: “Galashiels Community Council did not pull funding for the Christmas event in Galashiels. It was never applied for.

“Regarding the money fundraised by the Christmas Event, Lights and Market sub group, it was ring-fenced in the community council bank account to be used solely for the Christmas lights.

“Any further questions may be answered at the Galashiels Community Council meeting on December 7.”