People have raised concerns over the excessive checks required to hang floral displays and other seasonal decorations on street lamps in Rotherham.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council voted unanimously to ‘cut the unnecessary red tape’ that hinders communities from celebrating key seasonal events like Remembrance Sunday, Easter and Christmas with decorations.
A single lamppost check could cost around £50 for some areas.
Adam Carter, Brinsworth Councillor and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said the additional costs are “blockers” to local identity.
He said: “It really frustrates me because at a time where civic pride is having a real spotlight in our country, we’re having unnecessary bureaucracy. It makes me quite angry that we can’t do things like, put poppies up around [during] Remember Sunday and hang baskets.”
Cllr Carter said hanging baskets might not be up in time for summer due to the quoted £50 assessment fee.
The safety checks ensure that the decorations won’t cause the lamppost to fall down.
The tests are also important for the installing CCTV and speed monitoring signs to ensure public safety and deter crime.
Rotherham Council met at a full council meeting on 22 April 2026.
During the meeting, using Cllr Carter’s previous report, it was discussed that parish councils and volunteers face a “financial burden” from these costs.
The council also highlighted the inequality between celebrations in more affluent areas and poorer councils.
Cllr Carter said Brinsworth residents are “frustrated” by the delay in putting up the decorations.
He said: “[Decorations] are one of the things that makes Brinsworth a really nice place to live and work.
“Residents are really worried that what has been a good thing, and is one of the many things that makes people want to live in places like Brinsworth, could potentially not happen in future years.”
Rotherham Council voted unanimously to review the current policy regarding checks to street lamps.
The council said in the report that they want to apply a more “proportionate and supportive approach” in the assessments.
Other councils like Lancashire City Council don’t charge for structural tests if applied for 10 weeks in advance.
Hoyland Remembrance and Parade Group in Barnsley initially cancelled a display of 350 wooden poppies in the town centre for Remembrance Sunday 2025 due to tighter council guidelines.
The display eventually went ahead after a review from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
Main image credited by Stock Medae/Adobe Stock