Putting Christmas decorations on your house could land you with a £20,000 fine

You could be fined up to £20,000 for decking your house out in festive Christmas lights if you’re not careful.

With the state of this year, many people have gone all out with their Christmas decs but they’re being warned.

The fine could come if angry neighbours who aren’t feeling the festivities make a complaint, Bolton News reports.

Under part three of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities must investigate complaints under various nuisances including the safety of lights, noises and interference with other households.

Despite how terrible this year has been, some people simply aren’t a fan of Christmas at all, and in particular, of festive twinkling lights.

One angry neighbour took to Twitter to say: “You think your neighbour’s annoying, well mine has Christmas lights set to music.”

A second said: “Not to be a grinch or anything, but I hate Christmas lights they look obnoxiously annoying.”

Research from Emoov has shown that you could get up to a £20,000 fine for your festive display after neighbourhood disputes – these disputes can be classed as a statutory nuisance, and is you fail to comply with the ending of the nuisance you can be found guilty and fined.

Naveen Jaspal, chief operating officer of Emoov, said: “With the year we’ve all had, it’s quite understandable that homeowners are looking to spread some extra festive cheer. Christmas light spotting around the neighbourhood has become increasingly popular recently, in the absence of the markets and fayres we are all used to.

“But we’ve also seen people taking to social media and forums to express their annoyance at their neighbour’s displays – with interrupted sleep and disturbed evenings the main bugbears.

“Luckily there are plenty of ways to keep the festive fun going while ensuring everyone has a silent, and fine free, night.

“Safety is the main concern when considering electronic lights outdoors. Check your lights are intended for outdoor use and you don’t have any cables trapped between your windows or doors.

“To ensure your neighbours aren’t kept up all night, consider using a timer for your lights which switches them off at a reasonable hour.

“This is especially important when your neighbours have young families who need to get their sleep before Santa arrives. Timers can also help you reduce your energy consumption at an already expensive period.

“Lastly, avoid bright displays that flash or blink or noisy lights which play tunes on loop. ‘Jingle Bells’ once will undoubtedly get anyone in the festive mood, but 50 times a night is sure to get you onto the naughty list.”