SKIPTON town councillors are looking to sign new contractors for the provision of the town's Christmas lights.

The town council, which together with Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) is responsible for the festive decorations and 'turning on' event, is going out to tender for a new three year contract.

A meeting of the full council heard Christmas lights would continue even though some members raised concerns about the lights themselves and the cost of putting on of the switching on event.

The tendering document states: "We are currently seeking professional companies who can deliver an exceptional value for money service for the storage of the light scheme in its entirety, undertaking a structural inspection and assessment of the lighting columns to satisfy EON, testing, installation, support, and design of the Christmas lights display."

The switching on of the lights takes place on the last Sunday of November and are switched off on January 6. The lights are expected to stay on 24-hours a day, seven days a week, during the Christmas and New Year period.

The decoration scheme is agreed by the town council chief officer and the BID manager with the contractor. Bids for the tender close on March 31 with the contract expected to be awarded in early May.