IT was billed as the big switch on - but in reality PetersfieldÕs Christmas lights are more of a huge turn-off.

Families and children braved the cold and rain and gathered in The Square last Friday night hoping to be dazzled by the lights. But when the button was pressed by Town Mayor Mary Vincent very little happened.

Phil Jones, of Petersfield, said: ÒWords fail me. It is a disaster.Ó

One Petersfield resident who did not want to be named said the lights were a ÒshamblesÓ and that half the lights did not even work.

ÒThey should have tested them beforehand. Until recently you used to have volunteers doing this and the town was a brilliant sight at Christmas, I was really proud to be part of it. They might just as well not have bothered this year, it is a mess.Ó

Another resident who did not want to be named said the display was ÒabysmalÓ. She added: ÒIf they want to bring people into Petersfield they have to do better than this.Ó

Town councillor Chris Jenner stressed that he sympathised with the Town ManagerÕs predicament of having to take on the task on his own but added: ÒThey do look a bit iffy but I think he has done his best under difficult circumstances. I can understand why people are disappointed with them.Ó

The legendary 12 days of Christmas display that usually bedecks The Square is nowhere to be seen. The 30ft tree, resplendent in its new home, has a few lights near the top and SantaÕs sleigh looks down from above but there is nothing else in The Square.

And many of the lights across the High Street, Chapel Street and Swan Street, the dragon in Dragon Street and some of the street-side decorations above shops are still not working.

Town Manager Steve Johnston, who organised this yearÕs festivities, said the missing Ò12 DaysÓ display was due to technical problems.

He said The Square was bare because there were no more lights to put up but added that the traditional display would be back next year.

He added that some lights were not yet working because Òall the power supplies run off private businesses, and some businesses have not turned them on yet.Ó

Petersfield Market Town Initiative, which employs Mr Johnston, were given a grant of £8,500 by Petersfield Town Council to fund the Christmas lights in the town.