There have been complaints that an estate is being overlooked after it missed out on having Christmas lights.

Illuminations were put up around Queenborough last week but some residents in Rushenden are upset as they only go as far as The Gateway in Rushenden Road.

Ashley Shiel, the chairman of the area’s residents’ association, said: “Queenborough and Rushenden are supposed to be one. We pay the exact same amount of council tax as people living in Queenborough but it’s all about Queenborough.

“When we had Queenborough and Rushenden in Bloom in the summer. Queenborough got lots of flowers and the planters that we have in Rushenden weren’t even touched and they look a right state.”

Mr Shiel, 21, a teaching assistant, of Second Avenue, said: “It would take six more sets just to go up the road.

“The town council aren’t really bothered because we put in a bid for funding and we never heard anything back.”

Sue Simpson, Mayor of Queenborough and chairman of the Christmas lights committee, insists the placement of the illuminations is not a slight against the estate.

She said: “Every year we try to buy a few more lights. Our aim is to have them going all the way down Rushenden Road.

“We try to buy two or three a year but we can’t afford to buy a lot.

“Because the lights are expensive, we have decided to concentrate on the area of the torchlight parade.”

The annual Christmas procession through the town takes place this afternoon.

Participants are asked to gather at The Gateway, in Rushenden Road and King George’s playing field, off Castlemere Avenue, at 4pm for a 4.30pm start.

The processions will meet at Railway Terrace before going up the High Street to the harbour where the Rev Sue Martin will lead a service.

There will also be carols and a fireworks display.

Anyone who would like to help out or join Queenborough Town Council’s Christmas lights committee can call 01795 668509.