TRADERS are rejoicing after retail bosses who refused to put up Christmas lights finally entered into the festive spirit by agreeing to hang the decorations.

Last week, shopkeepers at Pendle Rise in Nelson town centre criticised retail bosses after they said no festive decorations would adorn the walls this year due to ‘soaring electricity prices’ and a lack of funds.

But in a dramatic u-turn, chiefs at the shopping centre have now told traders they have ‘re-negotiated’ a deal, which has enabled them to pay for the lights.

The delighted shopkeepers said the decision would benefit their businesses by encouraging families to visit.

Eileen Ansar, of Slick clothing store, said: “It’s a nice result for the traders and a good gesture from the centre management.

“They have shown some common sense in time for Christmas.

“It’s all down to the traders for bringing it to everyone’s attention.”

The shopkeepers had feared the lack of festive cheer would have had a detrimental effect on their businesses. Ruth Warren, manager at the Superdrug store, added: “I think it’s marvellous, brilliant.

“We’re only getting the existing lights and there isn’t going to be a Father Christmas or anything, but anything is better than nothing.

“At least it will add a little bit of festivity.

“More people, especially families with children, will be encouraged to come to the centre because the lights are something to come for.”

Doig Rudling, from the centre’s newly-installed management comp-any 4D, said: “It wasn’t that we didn’t want to put the lights up, we just didn’t have the finances to do it.

“Now we have the finances to do it. We managed to obtain some money to enable us to do it.

“We have gone back and re-negotiated a deal with the people who do the lights and they have been more reasonable than they were previously.

“Rather than spending money on other things, we are putting the Christmas lights up.”