A group aiming to revitalise Herne Bay's Christmas lights has withdrawn from running the display, saying it wants to protect its members from a "backlash" over their poor standard.

Former trader Geoff Wimble had begun a community campaign to spruce up the illuminations after last year's tree and lights became a national laughing stock.

But now he has announced his group Herne Bay Community Group Projects Limited would take no further part in the process.

They say council beaurocracy has caused too many delays and that there is not enough time to properly prepare.

Mr Wimble, 64, of Sea Street, said: "When people see what we have for Christmas lights, it is going to be laughable."

The council rejected the group's proposals for a new display, suggesting illuminations of Santa and his reindeer alongside a 26-foot pair of horses and pumpkins.

Instead the council have opted for a similar display to the one in 2011, relying on solar-powered lights across the streets.

Mr Wimble added: "The illuminations planned are the same as those used in Abingdon and Liverpool, who complained the lights are not very bright and only last for five hours on solar power.

"It takes a professional fitter at least a week to put up each street crossing of lights the council has planned.

"We only have 20 weeks left to do 12 crossings and we still need to get planning permission from Kent Highways department.

"The reason we withdrew is not to be difficult but to protect the group from a backlash. There is nothing in place and I can’t leave our members open to the wolves when it goes wrong.

"The council has condemned the way Mr Wimble announced his decision, telling the media before consulting with them.

Council spokesman Robert Davies said: "The council is very disappointed to hear this news, both in the manner in which it has been announced – directly to the press instead of doing us the courtesy of informing us first – and because we have been working closely with the Herne Bay Community Group Ltd, and other organisations in the town, to find a solution to Herne Bay’s festive lights over the last few months.

"As far as we are concerned, we had issued a formal agreement for the group to take over ownership and management of the council's lights."

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