A CITY'S Christmas lighting display has lost its sparkle.

Some of the illuminations in Ripon have failed to light up, causing complaints from visitors, residents and traders.

One of the key displays in High Skellgate, which should proclaim Merry Christmas, has a number of bulbs out of action and, in Kirkgate, lighting displays have gone dark for the second time after earlier repairs.

In North Street, Father Christmas has been left in the the dark and another feature, in Fishergate, remains unlit.

The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor David Parnaby, who switched on the illuminations, said: "I'm disappointed with the lights this year.

"They were absolutely brilliant last year: everyone I met said they were the best we have had."

He said thousands of pounds were invested in displays several years ago by Harrogate Borough Council and Ripon City Council.

The Mayor, who said he hoped the situation could be improved, urged traders to help brighten up the town by decorating their own shop windows.

Although Harrogate Borough Council maintains the lights and pays for electricity, it is not clear who owns the bulbs.

Chairman of Ripon Business Association Toby Wallis said it was disappointing that some of the lights had failed at a time when the city was trying to create a better image with improvement schemes.

Mr Wallis said the association had to discover who owned the lights because they needed attention.