Buxton Christmas lights switch-on cancelled for ‘public safety’

As well as axing the annual lights event the council say fireworks and bonfire displays on council-owned land will also be banned.

The council’s deputy leader, Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, said it had been a ‘difficult decision’ but ‘we need to do what we can to protect each other’.

Whilst small ceremonies to mark Remembrance Sunday will take place the council say people should 'remember at home' and not gather in public.

More information about how people can mark the day will be available in the lead-up to Sunday November 8.

Councillor Greenhalgh said: “Ordinarily the autumn and winter months are characterised by seasonal get-togethers and celebratory events. But as we are all very much aware - things are very different this year.

"The safety of our communities has to be the priority and we all need to take the necessary prevention measures to try and halt the spread of Covid - especially now as additional restrictions are introduced in Glossopdale.

"We know that this will be disappointing news for local communities, businesses and the hard-working volunteers who plan all year round for these seasonal events but I'm sure people will understand that we need to do what we can to protect each other and gathering together is just not possible at the moment."

Council leader Anthony McKeown said: "The numbers of people testing positive is on the increase in High Peak as it is in most parts of the UK - so it is more important than ever that we take care of each other as we head into winter.

"The situation in Glossopdale is evidence that the virus is still very much in circulation which is why we've taken the decision about events.

“It's also why we're urging people to remember and follow the basics of regular hand washing, wearing a face covering, making space and sticking to the rule of six - let's do it for our friends, our families and for High Peak so we can all return safely to the things we enjoy and that we've missed."

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