SCROOGE property managers have forced residents to rip their “harmless” Christmas lights down claiming it’s “light pollution.”
Ronald Neil, 82, said he and other residents at Teddington Riverside received an email forcing them to remove their balconies’ Christmas lights.
The email was sent by the property manager on December 23, just days before Christmas.
Ronald, who lives with his wife and has decorated his balcony with lights, said he has lived at his property for six years and has never been asked to take the lights down.
The retired journalist said: “People are very angry because all we’re doing is stringing these lights as part of Christmas on the balconies and we’ve been instructed to remove them.”
“It’s a perfectly innocent thing to do at this time of year.”
Ronald estimated between ten and fifteen properties have been decorated with Christmas lights, adding he did not take his down despite the initial instruction.
“We switched them on anyway because this email didn’t arrive until 4pm,” he said.
“We would not win any prizes – 30 or 40 yards of these tiny little lights, and we’ve just strung them along the balcony.
“I have to say it’s not very impressive. They’re absolutely harmless and they just brighten up people’s balconies.
“And for some reason or other they say: ‘Remove them because it’s not in the terms of your lease or contract,’ which to be honest with you I think is bonkers.”
The email sent from property managers claimed: “numerous complaints have been received regarding the Christmas lights being displayed on the balconies which is a breach of lease”.
It goes on to “urge all residents that have erected lights on their balconies” to remove them.
A day later on Christmas Eve, residents received another email from Urang apologising “for the distress” caused.
They suggested “to maintain the Christmas cheer” people with light displays should switch the lights off at 10pm or “turn the luminosity down during sleeping hours”.
Ronald said: “The place is not ablaze in light.
“I’m very glad the wise men were allowed to have a light so that they could follow it.
“Seems to me, at Christmas time, putting up a few Christmas lights is not exactly breaking the law.
“We need to brighten up our lives at the moment, anything that does that should be welcomed, not condemned.”
But Ronald claims the situation hasn’t completely dampened his Christmas spirit but admits it is “bonkers”.
But not all families are as cheerful this Christmas.
Meanwhile, a dad has said his family’s Christmas has been left “ruined” after an asbestos removal company allegedly threw away all their belongings.
Elsewhere, a shocked resident has slammed their landlord for evicting them and 150 of their neighbours from an 83-flat block just weeks before Christmas.
What to do if you don’t like your neighbours Christmas lights
If you’re not a big fan of your neighbour’s Christmas lights, here are a few steps you can take:
- Assess the Situation: Consider whether the lights are actually problematic (e.g., too bright, flashing into your windows) or if it’s just a matter of taste.
- Communicate politely: If the lights are causing a nuisance, have a friendly conversation with your neighbour expressing your concerns. You could say, “I really love your festive spirit, but would you mind adjusting them slightly?”
- Compromise: Suggest a situation that works for both of you. This could include dimming the lights, changing the direction, or asking them to turn them off at certain times.
- Raising concerns: If a direct approach doesn’t work you can look for help through a local community organisation or council. They may be able to implement a compromise.
- Legal Action: If the lights are causing significant disruption, you can check local regulations or ask to your local council to if there are any restrictions that apply.
