There will be no public gatherings for the Christmas light switch-ons in the Falkirk area again this year.
For the second year in a row - because of coronavirus restrictions - locals won't be able to gather to celebrate the start of the festive season in towns across the district.
But Falkirk Council say there will be "promotional interventions" to help businesses that relay on the annual events.
Hundreds of people usually gather each year.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "There won’t be the usual large scale switch on, but there will be a 4-week period of promotional interventions.
"This is designed to stimulate business sustainability and community pride in our town centres."
Residents have hit out at the decision, with one saying: "Another case of due to ££££ no wanting to spend money, absolute disgrace amount kids are missing out on ..... can still go to pubs, clubs etc"
Another wrote: "Terrible decision."
A third commented: "This is a joke, my son loves watching the lights getting switched on. I feel so sorry for the kids."
