Our ‘Scrooge’ neighbours HATE our Christmas lights & demand we rip them down – they claim it’s ‘light pollution’
“SCROOGE” neighbours have demanded a family rip their Christmas lights down claiming it’s “light pollution.”
The Stonier family love their 23-year-long tradition of turning their house into a winter wonderland, but neighbours aren’t as keen.
After spending a whopping £10,000 on lights, decorations, and inflatables, they say families flock to get a glimpse of their home in Staffordshire.
However, Michael Stonier, 21, who has lived his whole life with the tradition, was shocked to find they had received a complaint from their housing provider, Homes Plus.
He said: “As a family we feel victimised and pinpointed and feel we cannot even breathe in our own home.
“It’s just pathetic, they are just saying ‘bah humbug’ to the entire community just over what I assume are only one or two complaints.
“Homes Plus is acting like Scrooge.”
Social housing bosses told the family their neighbours were complaining about the light pollution which has led to light restrictions.
The bright display, which covers the entire home in Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent, was said to be keeping residents awake at night.
Michael said he doesn’t understand why Homes Plus is trying to ruin Christmas for everybody.
He added: “We have disabled children and autistic children who come down the street just to look at our decorations and it warms your heart to see them so happy.
“We just can’t understand it – we’re just trying to spread a bit of festive cheer.”
Michael, who lives with mum Gail, 52, and brother Timothy, 23, are so keen on their display that sometimes they decide to get their lights up as early as September.
They were also adamant the lights should stay on past 10pm, as some of older kids prefer to check them out later at night.
Despite the extreme Christmas light commitment, the Stoniers claim they have not had a complaint until now.
However at one point a member community took it upon themselves to cut the wire of the Christmas lights.
Regardless, the Stoniers battle on to keep their frosty fairyland up and running.
That is until this year, to their horror, they were told they couldn’t put the lights up until at least November 16.
Michael added: “I was baffled when I got a letter saying we’d had complaints about light pollution.
“Why doesn’t every other house who puts up Christmas lights in the country get the same warning?”
“It can’t be one rule for them and one rules for others.”
With the countless Christmas lights spanning their home, the Stoniers say their electricity bill jumps up over the winter months – sometimes by more than double.
Selflessly, they say it’s worth it to them just to see the smile on kid’s faces.
When the Stoniers sneaked their Christmas lights up ahead of schedule this year, Michael’s mum received a letter from Home Plus.
The mail informed the family they hadn’t adhered to the decoration restrictions.
It read: “You were aware that people had complained about the light pollution and the decorations going up so early in September.
“You were aware that someone had cut the fairy lights wire which would have given you an indication of how people in your community are feeling.
“I did explain that the lights were keeping your neighbours awake and turning the lights off at 10pm was a way to mitigate the complaints.”
Homes Plus executive director of housing and care Les Clarke would not comment on the Stoniers case specifically.
They added: We know the festive period is a special time and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the celebrations.
“In the run-up to Christmas, we are sharing advice and guidance with our customers on how to celebrate safely and considerately.
“Whilst Christmas decorations can help to spread festive cheer, there is a danger that they can become a fire hazard and cause a nuisance to neighbours if care is not taken.
“The guidance we share from our local authorities and fire and rescue services advises on how you can minimise the dangers so that everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Christmas.”
Michael has refused to budge on the matter: “I’m not taking them down or turning them off, they are here to stay.”
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.