Christmas lights row at Stoke-on-Trent church

For the past decade the Shelton and Etruria Residents’ Association have put up the illuminations at St Mark’s Church, in Shelton but this year it’s been told to remove them from the church yard.

It’s reportedly down to a dispute over this year’s Christingle service.

Traditionally the lights have been turned on during the service but the residents’ association is boycotting the event due to an issue last year.

Speaking on behalf of the church, in a statement to Stoke-on-Trent Live, the Lichfield Diocese has stressed there will still be Christmas lights at the church this year.

“Shelton and Etruria Residents’ Association recently informed St Mark’s that it did not want to take part in this year’s Christingle service. Permission is needed for the installation of Christmas lights in a churchyard. Therefore, the district church council has asked the association to remove its lights so that alternative arrangements can be made.

“St Mark’s will still have Christmas lights which will be switched on during the carol service at the church. Everyone is welcome to this community event. Meanwhile, the door is also open for the residents’ association to discuss further involvement in church events should it wish.”

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A row has broken out over the putting up of Christmas lights at a Stoke-on-Trent church.