CONCERNS have been raised about the Christmas lights switch on in Lyme Regis due to the ongoing road closure on Broad Street.

The annual Christmas Lights switch-on is due to take place at 5pm tomorrow, Saturday, November 25, on Broad Street.

But locals are worried the big event, heralding the start of Christmas festivities in the resort, will be marred by 'eyesore' scaffolding next to the town Christmas tree.

Broad Street has been closed since Saturday, November 11, when emergency services were called to make a building safe after a partial collapse.

Since then the road has remained shut between the B3165 and Rock Point.

The closure means there is no access to the on-street parking on the road or the Broad Street car park behind the high street.

Every year the Christmas Lights switch-on takes place on Broad Street, drawing in crowds of locals and visitors to the town.

However, the road closure has caused concern to locals about how it may affect the festivities.

Jane Jones, owner of Baroque on Broad Street, said: "The Christmas tree is right next to the scaffolding which is blocking the high street.

"It is going to look like an eyesore at the Christmas lights switch-on."

Heidi Vickers, store manager at Tenovus Cancer Care, said: "Parking is going to be an absolute nightmare.

"I don't know how it is going to work, where people are going to park and where Santa is going to go."

Lyme Regis Town Council has confirmed the switch-on will still go ahead despite the road closure.

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Town Council said: "The switch-on event goes ahead tomorrow at 5pm.

"All the car parks are open. Lyme Regis is very much open for business despite the road closure.

"The council have announced there is free parking tomorrow in Woodmead, Charmouth Road, Holmbush, Cobb Gate & Broad Street car parks.

"The tree will remain in place at the Shambles in front of the Bell Cliff."