Winter blunderland

DOBCROSS villagers outside the Swan Inn after the planned Christmas lights switch- on at the village green failed

A radio DJ blamed Oldham Council after it failed to turn up to supervise the Christmas lights switch-on in his village.

Mike Sweeney, breakfast show host on 106.1fm RealXS, volunteered to host the event on the village green at Dobcross, accompanied by a local brass band.

More than 100 people thronged Churchfields for the switch-on at 6pm on Saturday.

But the trees remained in darkness — and after waiting more than 10 minutes with the band playing festive tunes, Mike announced to the disappointed audience the switch-on would not take place.

But creative pub landlord, Tim Newbold, saved the day by inviting the audience to the switch-on of a colourful array of Christmas lights outside his pub, The Swan Inn, in the village square

Speaking later, Mike Sweeney said: “It doesn’t renew your faith in local government when officials don’t turn out.

The Christmas lights, which lace the trees, are controlled from a silver-coloured metal box in the centre of Churchfields which is operated by a key. This can only be done by an official.”

Councillor Barbara Beeley of the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, said she would investigate the events, but said she believed a third party had been due to turn on the lights.