Christmas lights in Kenilworth will be switched on for less time this winter as the council looks to save money and energy.

Two events will be held in the town at the end of November to switch on the town's Christmas lights - the first time an event has been hosted since 2019.

But Warwick District Council has today revealed the lights will be turned on for shorter hours than in previous years.

Lights will only be on during "the busier periods" of 4pm to 11pm across Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington.

And in Whitnash the lights will only be on from 4pm to 9pm.

Cllr Liam Bartlett said: "During challenging times, we felt that it was important to continue with the long-held tradition of Christmas lights.

"The 'switch-on' events that we have planned this year will give families a chance to enjoy some fantastic free entertainment and the light displays will help to increase footfall for local shops, salons, restaurants, cafes and pubs in the run up to and during the festive season.

"However, to save energy and costs we felt that it was appropriate to restrict the times the lights are on."

WDC says this is a reduction of 176 hours across the four towns this winter.

The authority also said all the lights had been replaced with LED's.

The news comes just weeks after Cllr Richard Dickson questioned whether it was appropriate to have lights on at all given the cost of living crisis currently faced by residents.

"I am conscious that we are in the middle of a cost of living crisis," he said at the most recent Kenilworth Town Council finance and general services committee meeting.

"When many people will be struggling to put the lights on at home we will be putting more on in the street. 

"I grant you that it might make people feel better.

"But I am mindful also that we are spending in total far more [on the lights] than we have donated to citizens' advice who are addressing very serious issues and mental health issues."