Christmas lights row in ho-ho-Hove

By Miles Godfrey

As Christmas decorations go they are among the most flamboyant you could ever expect to see.

But a takeaway shop which decided to really push the boat out this year has got a decidedly chilly reception from its neighbours.

Eddy's Takeaway in Sackville Road, Hove, has covered its entire shop in the amazing flashing festive lights, including trees, snowmen and rooftop decorations.

It has cost Christmas-mad owner George Shakir thousands of pounds and drawn praise from the shop's hundreds of regular customers.

Mr Shakir said: "We love it, it really gets us all in the festive spirit and the customers seem to enjoy it too.

"It takes ages to put it all up but when you stand back and take a look, it looks brilliant."

But despite the dazzling display, some people living near the shop have complained that the decorations are over the top.

Kim Sayers, 54, from Sackville Road, said: "At night, when the lights get switched on, they beam straight through my window and makes it difficult for me to get to sleep.

"Luckily I have some really thick curtains which just about blocks them out.

"But for anyone who hasn't it's probably a big problem. I'm all for the Christmas spirit - I love this time of year.

"But that is a bit over the top."

Another resident, Sharon Carter, 32, also from Sackville Road, said: "I like the lights but there are too many of them.

"We all love a bit of festive cheer but when it intrudes right into your living room every night there is a limit to how far that will stretch.

"Don't get me wrong, I go into Eddy's quite a bit and my husband does too.

"I think I'll ask them next time to tone it down a bit."

However Eddy's regular Tony Shapiro, from the nearby Old Shoreham Road, said: "How can you moan about it? Anyone that does is a Scrooge in my book.

"It brighten's up the place and really gets you in the festive spirit. They do a great bit of grub too so you can't really go wrong."

Mr Shakir has been putting up the lights for a number of years with the display growing each time as his collection of decorations grows.

He said he has no plans to tone them down but said he would try and consider neighbours' concerns in the future.

There are no specific laws governing the use of Christmas lights on properties.

But environmental health inspectors can order their removal if deemed to be too bright, or a hazard to passing motorists or pedestrians.

Are the lights too much or do they give the area a festive feel? Tell us what you think below.

miles.godfrey@theargus.co.uk