TRADERS in a pedestrianised street say they are fed up of being left out of Christmas celebrations after festive lights put up by Blackburn with Darwen Council failed to work.

Council engineers were asked to check the bulbs which hang across Bridge Street, Darwen, after people complained that at least half were not lit.

And questions were also asked about why the "Merry Christmas" sign above the town hall was only partially-lit.

But almost a month after the big official switch-on shoppers are still being kept in the dark.

Shopkeepers have said that the lights regularly fail to come on in Bridge Street, usually at the top half of the street.

The council has blamed the problems on youths vandalising the lights by kicking footballs at them and have said that 150 bulbs have had to be replaced since they were put up earlier this month.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "We're trying to cope with the high level of vandalism the lights are being subjected too and we will respond as necessary to rectify damage, but it is up to the people of Darwen to be vigilant and help us to minimise vandalism over the Christmas period."

But traders believe more should be done by the council to improve the lights. Kris Ball, from The Pet Shop, Bridge Street, said: "It's the same every year. This time, from the ICI club upwards is regularly in darkness and for a few days the whole lot has been off.

"I've seen people from the council come to check them about three times but they still don't seem to work. I've not seen any vandalism up here. Last year we were told people had been shooting them with air rifles."

Another local trader, who did not want to be named, said she had contacted the council on several occasions during the last few weeks to complain about the lights not working.

She said: "It just gives the impression that the street's not open for Christmas and doesn't attract people to shop here."