A MEMBER of a community group has bemoaned that there is "Christmas tree drama every year", as it emerged that a town's much-loved festive centrepiece might be left without any lights on it this year.

A meeting of Prestonpans Community Council last Tuesday saw members left concerned due to an East Lothian Council audit which could mean the absence of lights on the town's Christmas tree. 

The local authority is currently carrying out a compliance survey on all existing festive light set-ups, focusing on "safety". 

READ MORE: Prestonpans festive feature at risk after being targeted by vandals

This could derail the community council's plans to decorate the tree with the group's existing lights, if the audit is not complete in time.

And due to past vandalism to Prestonpans' Christmas tree, members of the community council, who run the festive operation, have also been pondering where to put the tree in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the damage. 

Joe Simpson, community councillor, said: "There is Christmas tree drama every year and this time we have a few things to get past." 

DJ Johnston-Smith, chair of Prestonpans Community Council, said: "It is a bit late in the day for East Lothian Council to be announcing this audit.

"We already have many issues with the Christmas tree to deal with and this is not helpful at all." 

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The compliance survey we’ve issued to all community councils is to gather information that will allow a review to be undertaken of all existing festive light set-ups, focusing on safety.

"Whilst this survey is ongoing, we are unable to authorise any new electrical connections across East Lothian.

"The outcome of the survey will ensure that all festive light set-ups in future years are compliant with the current standards.

"Discussions remain ongoing with all parties.

“Members of Prestonpans Community Council can discuss their concerns directly with council officers.”