City's Christmas lights mocked over 'laughing stock' blunder

The people of Ripon have been laughing among themselves after seeing the town lights spelling "Merry Christmas Ripon" had been installed with the "a" facing backwards.

To make matters worse, it will only be corrected after the lights have been taken down next month.

One local, Paddy Hooks, said: "It makes Ripon look a laughing stock.

"People have paid for these lights. So they should be correct!"

Caz Child added: "Oh dear, where was the proofreader?”

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And Sara Burgess, on seeing the lights, said: "It looks great but isn’t it the wrong way round?”

Beverley Bowden joked: "Maybe it was discounted?"

Andrew Williams, the leader of Ripon City Council in North Yorkshire, defended the "genuine mistake", reminding them of the dire situation in Ukraine and thanking those that showed their support for the wonky decorations.

He said: "We have an unfortunate situation that the sign was made.

"It’s unfortunate but it can’t be corrected until it’s taken down because it has to be angle-grinded off.

"It will be done for next year.

"I do think it is nice that people have reacted in this way having had the explanation.

"It’s unfortunate but there are much bigger problems in the world in the moment, which is why we’ve decided to leave the sign up rather than simply have it taken down.”

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And locals were quick to defend the dodgy decorations - saying it made them laugh as they passed by.

Lily Worth said: "I personally find it quite funny.

"It makes people smile. Most people haven’t even noticed!"

And Kelly Horley said: "I had a good giggle when I saw it."

Janice Hope said: "Alright it’s the wrong way round, not the end of the world.

"I think it’s funny as well!"