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The former St Clare's Hospice site is lit up in the Primrose Ward as part of the Borough's enhanced festive displays across towns and villages in South Tyneside.

The Council has been pulling out all the stops to make the 2021 Christmas period a 'good one' to help raise spirits and bring joy to families after a difficult and challenging period which saw last year's festivities move online wherever possible.

In recognition of the fact that the site of the former St Clare's Hospice continues to hold a big place in the hearts of so many people in South Tyneside, the Council and Primrose Ward Members united to turn on the lights in the trees on site in remembrance of those who are sadly no longer with us.  

Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety at Â鶹ÊÓƵ said: "Christmas is a magical time of year when families and friends come together and remember loved ones.

"We have listened to local residents who were keen for lights at the former St Clare's site to be switched on. This location joins other additions to this year's festive lighting programme. We hope the investment in our light installations across towns and villages will spread much-needed cheer throughout our communities this year."

The Council and its street lighting partner Balfour Beatty have undertaken a programme of testing, repairing and installing existing lights as well as putting up the new displays across the Borough.

New features include multi-coloured motifs along Fowler Street, leading along Keppel Street and up to Market Square. Additional lighting is also installed along King Street with an overhead canopy as well as lit trees at the northern end of the high street.

New displays have also been installed in Hebburn at the Victoria Road East/Campbell Park Road roundabout and in Jarrow on the A185 roundabout, along Church Bank and on trees in Linear Park.

Trees at Harton Village and the roundabout at Cauldwell Avenue/Sunderland Road sparkle with new lights and East Boldon is lit up with new motifs along Front Street. A new Christmas tree has been installed at Marsden Grotto car park.

The investment in festive lights aligns with the Council's key priority to support town centres, villages, high streets and hospitality.