Businesses in South End are pleading for some Christmas spirit after a blunder left them without festive lights.

Last week the Croydon Guardian revealed how a plan to install Christmas lights outside their premises was scuppered by a lack of suitable sockets.

Although parts of the town centre have got Christmas lights for the first time in years, the South End farce has taken the shine off a campaign to light up the town which was led by the Croydon Business group and a local newspaper.

Now restaurant and shop owners fear they will lose out on valuable Christmas trade unless something is done to solve the problem.

Ros Morgan, Croydon Business' BID and town centre operations manager, said: "I am hoping we will be able to do something for the traders ahead of Christmas but at this stage I cannot promise anything.

"It is a real shame this section of the high street is being focused on, considering we have managed to put lights in places that have not had any for three years or more."

One restaurant owner wants something to be offered to businesses by way of compensation.

He said: "It does seem we have been somewhat ignored in the process this year and I do wonder how they came about deciding which part of the town not to light up this year."

Ms Morgan said no businesses in South End contributed to the Christmas lights fund when it was started three months ago.

A council spokesman said: "There have never been Christmas lights installed on the street lights in South End. However, earlier this year a new and much improved street lighting system was installed in High Street.

"A plan showing exactly which street lighting columns have the sockets was given to Croydon Business. It appears the contractor did not closely follow this plan and placed lights on columns with no electrical connection facilities.

"Following discussions with Croydon Business it was decided the unconnected decorations should be taken down.

"What should not be overlooked is that the central part of Croydon features an attractive lighting scheme this Christmas that has impressed many people."