STRINGS of Christmas lights were out of action along Winchester High Street, but have now been fixed overnight.

The white lights between Market Lane and The Broadway and in Middle Brook Street were all off, around ten strings of lights stretching across the pedestrian precinct.

The decorations along the High Street west of the junction of Market Lane and Upper Brook Street appear to be working fine, emblazoning the shops and shoppers in bright light. But looking the other way and it appears gloomy in comparison down towards the Guildhall.

The reason for the malfunction was unclear.

A BID spokeswoman said last night: "We have a team out tonight addressing all of the non-working lights. Hopefully they should all be fixed later this evening."

Hampshire Chronicle:

Some late-evening shoppers were not impressed. Gail Williamson, 43, from the Isle of Wight, said: "I'm told by a girl in a shop they weren't working yesterday either. Someone needs to fix it quick".

The problem has been spotted by people on social media. Nicholas Youngs, on Winchester Pics Facebook page, said: "Walked up High Street in Winchester this evening half the lights aren't working. Very poor for Winchester this year."

Winchester largely-white decorations divide opinion. Many people like the simplicity but others find them boring. Richard Dominey said on Winchester Pics FB page: "It's always poor - not a coloured light in sight, Xmas is coloured lights".