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Police Threaten To Fine Dad £10,000 If He Turns On Charity Christmas Lights

Police Threaten To Fine Dad £10,000 If He Turns On Charity Christmas Lights

Trevor Payne was hoping to raise money for Young Minds

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Meet Trevor Payne, he decks out his home every year in a bid to raise money for charity but this year he's been threatened with a £10,000 ($13,300) fine if he turns the lights on:

The 46-year-old dad was told that by inviting people to visit his home and look at his decorations, he would be breaking 'social distancing' rules.

Families began visiting his property in Walsall, West Mids, back on 1 December and, even through Trevor had introduced a one-way system, police still told him that people had to leave when they turned up on 5 December.

Now, Trevor has had to put up a sign which reads: "Due to Covid restrictions police have enforced switch off of lights. Sorry for your wasted journey, we cannot afford a £10k fine."

SnapperSK

The production manager said: "I'm just trying to make people happy, but sadly there are some Grinches out there.

"No-one has anything else to do because of coronavirus and this was bringing a bit of joy, but now I'm having to turn people away who have come to see it.

"The kids have been left in tears, it's heartbreaking."

SnapperSK

Trevor, who has two children, said that he thinks one of the neighbours tipped off police, adding: "I can see why some neighbours might not like having an increase in traffic.

"But for the sake of two or three weeks, and the amount of happiness it brings and money it raises, you'd have thought they'd be able to put up with it.

"It was a rare bit of happiness but apparently it's gone now. We're waiting for advice from the police on how we can operate it.

"We've brought in hand sanitizer, one way systems and social distancing policies but apparently that's not enough. It all seems a bit heavy handed to me."

SnapperSK

Kyrie Llewellyn, 34, who lives next door, said: "I think it's an absolutely wonderful idea after the terrible year we've all had.

"But it's disgraceful that instead of trying to help him manage the situation the police want to shut it down. It is busy but he's trying to manage it."

Last year Trevor raised £900 ($1,200) for Young Minds and was hoping for something similar this year but now he fears this will ruin his chances.

When families go to see the festive decorations, they make a small donation and most neighbours support the fundraiser.

LADbible has contacted Staffordshire Police for a comment.

Featured Image Credit: SnapperSK

Topics: Viral, News, UK