Council workers were once again in a rush to fix Worcester Park’s Christmas lights after outraged residents complained technical problems left the high street in the dark ahead of traders’ biggest night of the year.

Residents complained to Sutton Council that the lights, which some claim have been plagued by problems since 2014, were not working in the days leading up to the Worcester Park Christmas Night on Friday, December 12.

Council workers were scrambled to Central Road to fix the lights before the festival, during which traders put on a on a fun fair, BBQ and treasure hunt to boost trade.

Monday, June 13: Merry Christmas, Worcester Park! Festive lights finally switched on... six months late

Richard Johnson, of the Worcester Park Residents' Association, said: “My real problem with this is every other borough surrounding us gets it right, and yet North Cheam and Worcester Park is just a shambles every year.

“It just feels to me that either we are at the back of the queue or the councillors just aren’t engaged.

“It has got a happy ending – it did work on the night, it was just in the nick of time. The idea is to boost trade but it does local things – you get all the community groups and local scouts there.”

In June, residents were left amazed when Worcester Park’s festive illuminations – paid for by Sutton Council - spontaneously turned on six months early.

The tree lights remained off throughout December last year due to a "technical difficulty".

Mr Johnson counted 14 of the 22 streetlamp lights not working the day before the event.

A Sutton Council spokesperson said: “With the support of residents and the local committee, lights have been placed in Worcester Park since 2013.”

“This year an electrical fault meant the lights were temporarily not working. Officers have now found a solution and the lights are now working.”

“We thank residents for their patience and hope they enjoy the Christmas display over the festive period.”