Council's community relations officer Cathy Cooke said the town would be without Christmas lights because they were damaged and it was a safety hazard to switch them on.

"We had intended to purchase lights this year but because we discovered the control boxes weren't working there was an increased cost, so we've got to wait until the next financial year."

She said $20,000 had been allocated for lights in council’s 2013/2014 budget.

In the meantime, she said shoppers could experience Christmas cheer with 34 street banners and a garland display and Christmas tree at the Memorial Hall.