PEOPLE power has won the day at Egerton after the council did a U-turn and lit up the village Christmas tree.

Bolton Council had told residents that there would be no lights on the festive pine at the Dunscar war memorial this year.

But now the tree is shining brightly after workmen spent Wednesday night putting up the lights.

The tree is an annual treat for all residents, but it looked like villagers were going to miss out this year when the installation of traffic lights at the junction of Blackburn Road and Darwen Road caused complications with the power source to the tree.

The electricity cable had been lost and the council said there was nothing it could do about it until next year.

But the local authority decided it had to act fast when the BEN carried the story on Monday and more than 30 residents bombarded the town hall with angry calls.

Businessman Neil Mitchell was one person who told the council the dull tree was not good enough.

He said: "I didn't think people would take this lying down. The tree was a timely reminder Christmas was coming and showed our neighbours in Blackburn and Darwen this was how we celebrated Christmas in Bolton.

"But to their credit, they have grabbed the problem by the scruff of the neck and produced a masterstroke of willingness and co-operation."

Norman Critchley, councillor for Bromley Cross, said he was very pleased the work had been done.

He added: "I was contacted by a few people who were disappointed. There was a problem with the storms as to whether the workmen could get the work done.

"But they have and we have got the lights, so everyone is happy. I also would like to credit the lighting department."

Mr Mitchell, who lives in Lowstern Close and runs Mitchell Block Paving Services, said he is now hoping Bolton Council will replace a cherry tree which was up-rooted when the traffic lights were installed.

He said its pink blossom heralded the start of summer. The local authority has already made a note of his dismay and is looking at plans to plant a new one. A council spokesman said although it was originally thought they would not be able to get the work done before Christmas, they spoke to Norweb and it was agreed they would go out of their way to switch on the lights.

He added: "We are happy we managed to get it done."