The usual decorative lights strung across the street were not in place because Western Power had reneged on its agreement to help with their placement.

Fortunately local Western Power staff have volunteered their time and the lights were put up on Sunday.

Traditionally the lights have been put up by shire staff, Verlindens Electrical Service and Western Power working together.

The shire has also received varying accounts from Western Power why it was unable to help with the lights after advising three weeks ago that it would be involved as usual.

However on Monday last week electrical contractor Greg Verlinden was contacted by Western Power and told that it could find no cost centre to allocate the work to.

Shire chief executive officer Neville Hale was given a different story.

“They told me the recent wind storms had caused problems and they were too far behind in their maintenance to be involved,” he said at last Wednesday’s council meeting.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the lights go up.”