FOLLOWING the criticism of last year's festive decorations in Kendal, shoppers remained uninspired despite assurances that this year was going to be superb'.

Although an estimated £30,000 was spent on ornamentation, the consensus among shop browsers was that more effort was required by Kendal Town Council's Christmas lights committee to bring a dash of yuletide cheer to people visiting Kendal town centre.

John Taylor said that the town council had only delivered a slight improvement.

"They are still not really adequate and I do not think that it will encourage people to come in to the town," he said.

Eric Schofield said that, although a better effort had been made this year, the standard had yet to reach sufficient quality.

"I think much of this is caused by the fact that shop keepers and traders don't take part and don't bother to put their own decorations up," he said.

Mike Duckworth said that he had not noticed any significant improvement on last year's display.

"I am not very impressed, I think there is a lack of decorations and the ones that are up are a bit drab with plain white bulbs," he said.

Betty Woof was concerned that taxpayers were not getting value for money.

"It costs a lot of money on council tax but I think a better quality display would bring people into town, get them in the Christmas spirit and get them spending money," she said.

Celia Tyler believed that, although some parts of the town were quite impressive, others looked as though they had been neglected.

"I think Elephant Yard is quite good but there is a bit more colour needed in some areas," she said.

However, clerk to the town council Hugh McLorry was pleased with the current display.

"It has gone well this year and, personally, I think they are very good. We are never going to be like Blackpool or have that sort of impact but I think what we have done works well," he said.

Mr McLorry attributed last year's problems to contractor failings but said that improved organisation and infrastructure had resulted in a much better attempt this year.

The council's Christmas lights committee will meet on December 9 to review this year's attempt and to discuss any potential for improvement in the future.