PREPARATIONS for the festive season in Melksham have got off to a bad start after the Christmas lights team were given a parking ticket.

Last Wednesday, according to the Melksham Christmas Lights crew, a team of volunteers were about to begin the first day of many in installing the lights around the town, starting from the town hall in a Cherry Picker.

Despite the protestations of the team, the parking officer, at the behest of his superiors, said they could not park there in excess of two hours, despite the fact that it would take them much longer.

The team, who will be working hard over the next two months installing Christmas lights across Melksham, will hope to do their work without getting a fine each day.  

More to follow.