SHOPPERS in Blackburn fear town hall bosses have cursed themselves with bad luck after festive decorations were left up in the town centre beyond the Epiphany.

An illuminated Merry Christmas sign was still in place in front of the town hall yesterday.

Traditionally, decorations should be taken down by January 6, 12 days after Christmas, to avoid bad luck for the next 12 months.

But Brian Bailey, head of regeneration, said the removal was delayed due to strong winds last week.

People in Blackburn yesterday voiced their disapproval at the council’s tardiness.

Solicitor Jack Howarth, 21, from Accrington, said: “We’re here two to three weeks after Christmas Day and they’re still here – it’s a bit of a fiasco that nobody has taken them down.

“It looks a mess if they are leaving it up all year and not lit up.”

Blackburn resident Adam Patel, 32, who works in a call centre, said: “It should be taken down immediately.”