DOWNTON Parish Council has been forced to cancel this evening’s (December 5) Christmas lights switch on.

A social media post states: “The weather is going to be heavy rain and string winds and we feel it will not be a joyous occasion if we are soaking wet and blown off our feet!

“Please let anyone you know who was planning to go along but may not see Facebook. We have let Father Christmas know – we don’t want him to catch cold at this important time for him.

“The lights will go on anyway for the whole of the Christmas period so please enjoy the lovely Christmas tree.”

The council expressed thanks to Rachel Faulkner, who was due to carry out the big switch on, and choir organiser Kate Edgar.