The whole of Surbiton’s high street will sparkle with Christmas lights this festive period.

Last year the lights and decorations only reached part of the way along Victoria Road, but this year councillors on the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee decided to splash out and approve the most expensive option – £12,523 – at its recent meeting.

The aim is to try to add a little cheer to the beleagured shopping area hit badly this year because of lockdowns and business restrictions during the pandemic.

Fifty columns will get the magic wand treatment spanning out from the roundabout by the railway station down Victoria Road and Claremont Road. Brighton Road may get a touch of sparkle too if there are enough lights. The roundabout will also have a 25ft fir tree.

While applauding the lights for central Surbiton, Cllr Sharron Sumner bemoaned the fact that once again Tolworth Broadway had missed out and asked for something ‘amazing’ for Tolworth next year.