Ainsdale in Southport now boasts “one of the most spectacular tree lighting displays in the region” with 70,000 new lights sparkling throughout the Village.
A total of 700 sets of 10-metre long LED lights have been installed through 24 trees in the area – which would stretch out to seven kilometres if laid end to end.
The initiative was commissioned by Ainsdale Civic Society, with the aim of putting the picturesque village firmly on the map with visitors and playing its part in supporting local businesses.
The beautiful lighting was installed by Southport lighting firm IllumiDex UK Ltd, which is famous for creating the legendary mile-long ‘boulevard of light’ in nearby Lord Street in Southport town centre.
The new lights in Ainsdale are sure to dazzle visitors to the area and turn heads for anyone travelling past.
Ainsdale Civic Society Chairman Tony Brough said: “‘Caring for Ainsdale’ is the motto of Ainsdale Civic Society. Lighting the trees in Ainsdale Village came about because Society Members witnessed the benefit of similar schemes in Southport, Birkdale and Formby.
“Apart from looking really impressive, the ambiance created by the lights provides a spectacle that will make a stroll through the village a very special experience.
“Street lighting schemes have proven to deliver regenerative and positive impacts wherever they are installed.
“Ainsdale now has one of the most spectacular on-street tree lighting displays in our region.
“I wish to thank my fellow Ainsdale councillors, Sefton Council’s Street Lighting Department, Illumidex UK Ltd and Ainsdale Civic Society Members for their confidence and support throughout the scheme’s development.”
Local businesses and residents have been wowed by the impact the lights have had.
Chris and Alex Tilley, who own the Tipple bar on Station Road, said: “Over recent years we’ve seen Ainsdale go from strength to strength and adding the Illumidex lights on the trees throughout our Village has made it an even more welcoming place to be.
“We are over the moon with the atmosphere it adds to the village and our business.”
It has been a busy few months for IllumiDex UK Ltd which provides lighting for town and village centres, at retail parks, and in people’s homes and gardens.
The firm also creates and installs Christmas decorations for towns, homes and businesses, and even put up bunting throughout Formby Village to celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee.
The work in Ainsdale saw the team wrap lights around 24 trees between Ainsdale Railway Station and the roundabout between Liverpool Road and Station Road over several nights. They finished the project with the largest tree on the street, outside the parade of shops with Tesco Express, Hirshman’s Chemist and others.
IllumiDex UK Ltd co-owner Steve Clayton said: “When you come off the roundabout at Liverpool Road and drive through Ainsdale now at night, it looks amazing with all the trees lit up!
“It looks great when you are looking at the Village from Ainsdale Train Station too.
“The Village looks spectacular now, it really does. Every tree we have wrapped looks unbelievable.
“The feedback we have had from local people and local businesses over the past few days has been fantastic. People love the new lights. The businesses are seeing the benefits already.
“Ainsdale Civic Society members have told us that the lights are even better than they expected them to be.
“The lights will come on at around 8pm each night, although that will change later in the year as the nights begin to draw in.
“People in Ainsdale have been very supportive while the work has been taking place, moving their cars for us whenever we have needed access near certain trees.”
The work has attracted admiring glances from passers-by, with the IllumiDex team being invited to wrap trees with lights outside people’s homes.
Steve Clayton said: “We have had lots of inquiries from people asking us to come out and provide lighting around trees and festoon lighting in people’s gardens since we have been carrying out the work in Ainsdale.
“We are available for residential work, and can wrap certain trees during the summer.
“People are enjoying getting together with friends and families outdoors and holding garden parties at the moment and beautiful lighting adds that special atmosphere.”
For more details about Illumidex UK Ltd please visit: www.illumidex.co.uk or email: info@illumidex.co.uk or call: 01704220829 (landline) or 07979158404 (mobile).
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