Decking the town a Christmas folly?

Christmas lights are going up in Oldham ready for the November 15 switch-on and it’s only September. Shops are also selling Christmas goodies. And research for Asda says almost half of shoppers have already started buying Christmas presents. Rochdale Council was criticised when it began putting Christmas lights up in August. So is the festive season now four months long, or do local people think it’s Christmas crackers to start preparations so early? Reporter Janice Barker and photographer Chris Sunderland asked town centre shoppers if they’re already full of Christmas spirit.

Pensioners Barbara and Neville Simister from Milnrow laughed when asked the question saying: “We live in Rochdale and we have had this in our village since August!

“They have to start somewhere, but we can take it or leave it. We go away for coach holidays for Christmas.

“We’re not shocked at all, as long as they don’t light them up yet.”

Mary Pratt from Royton said: “It’s a bit early. The beginning of November would be plenty of time enough.

“I haven’t started Christmas shopping yet, I think that will be towards the end of next month.”

Janet Thornton from Oldham said: “It’s way too early, it’s rubbish. It should be the end of November.

“Asda is probably trying to encourage us to spend early. Christmas shouldn’t start until December.”

But the preparations don’t bother Paul Cook, from Oldham, who said: “If it keeps the kids happy it’s OK. Rochdale put theirs up on summer.”

And Trevor Eckersley, of Oldham said: “I’ve asked the workmen why they put them up and found out all the lights have to be up by November, when they get switched on, and they have other towns to do as well.

“I don’t think it spoils it, and a lot of children like it.”

Jackie West and her friend Linda Foster, both from Failsworth, weren’t impressed. Jackie said: “It really is like desperation not celebration any more.

“I have got some Christmas presents but because of the sales, I do that every year. You have to get bargains.”

Linda added: “I did my Christmas shopping in Ireland for my daughters.

“Putting the Christmas lights up in September definitely is too early. It ruins the Christmas spirit.”

Chantelle Greenwood, of Oldham, who was shopping with son Teon, and has a baby Remell, eight months, said: “I like it for the children, but I think it may be very early.

Perhaps after hallowe’en or Bonfire Night would be better.

“I have been Christmas shopping but that’s because I have two children to buy for. Decorations? I don’t want to see them until a month before.”

Her friend Sophie Kilgannon 16, from Royton, who was shopping with her neighbour’s son Jenson (3), added: “It’s all a bit commercial for me and too early.”

Stefka Docksey, of Oldham, said: “I would prefer the beginning of December. We celebrate Christmas earlier and earlier, it’s too early. But I appreciate it takes time to put lights up.

“Buying presents early means you can get find what people want and sometimes you can’t get things by Christmas as they have sold out.”

And Lillian Potts, of Failsworth, agreed: “It’s much too early. I’d prefer to see them go up in November, just before December.”