Fury over theft of Christmas lights equipment in Totton

Volunteers from Totton's Christmas lights committee were checking the fixtures on the town's main roundabout when they discovered that electrical cables had been taken.

The "Grinch-style" theft has sparked widespread anger, with one social media user describing the culprits as "mindless imbeciles".

Cllr Neville Penman, a member of the committee, added: "Someone has cut the wires on the boards and stolen leads.

“We have CCTV on the roundabout so I'm going to see if New Forest District Council can help but we now have to go out and buy more cables, lights and fittings. It is so disheartening."

Last year thieves stole two star-shaped motifs that had been left beside a lamppost shortly before they were due to be put up.

The latest theft has been condemned on social media.

One person posted: "In a very difficult year this is unbelievable. Efforts by a dedicated few to bring so much pleasure to everyone in Totton, only to be trashed by heartless individuals."

Another social media user added: "Somebody is being like the Grinch."

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Meanwhile a fundraising campaign has been launched to pay for the upkeep of the lights and a new artificial tree.

Writing on the campaign's JustGiving page Cllr Dave Hills says: "Every year the lights committee puts on an excellent display for people in the town.

"Volunteers give up many hours of their own time to maintain and install the decorations and take them all down again once Christmas is over.

"The team also help the Royal British Legion put up Silent Soldiers and banners for Remembrance Day.

"However, none of this is cheap. Not only do the lights themselves cost money there are loads of other things that need to be paid for to ensure the display goes ahead."

Cllr Hills says the volunteers have to repair and maintain the decorations as well as buying new ones.

He adds: "They have just purchased a new, artificial tree which will look great and is good for the environment but has cost a lot of money.

"This is where we, the people of Totton can help.

"Money is obviously very tight for us all but if you can afford to make a donation, however small, the committee will be very, very grateful."

To donate go online and visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/xmas-lights.