A MALVERN trader has launched a petition against the town council's Christmas lights.

Lee Harrison, of Select World Travel in Church Street, closed his shop on the late-night shopping evening in protest at the poor quality of the lights.

He also says the barriers across Church Street dissuaded people from visiting shops below the traffic lights on the night.

"If the public believe their money has been wasted on this year's appalling display, they are welcome to call in to Select World Travel, to sign a petition to be presented to the town council in the New Year," said Mr Harrison.

"I've seen private houses with more decorations to a single property than the town council's efforts.

"Where has the £15,000 that the town council has spent gone?"

Mayor David Williams said: "It's up to Mr Harrison to do this if he wants to, but preliminary data from our survey shows that people think better of this year's lights than last year's.

"We are doing our best with what we've got."

He admitted there had been some teething problems with lights going out, but said these were being tackled. Meanwhile, town council clerk Stuart McDonough has offered former mayor Adrian Ward the chance to play a part in selecting Christmas lights for the town.

Last week, Mr Ward called the new lights "the worst display ever" and "the most tasteless garlands imaginable".

Mr McDonough has now written to Mr Ward, saying it is likely the council will be buying more lights in future years.

"I should be happy to lend you the brochures so that you can identify those you feel may be appropriate for Malvern. Your views can then be considered with others received," said Mr McDonough.