Ely lanterns 'can remain in place' says council leader

The decorations were reportedly put up by teams at Sushi and Salad and Griddle Bar and Meathouse in Ely, along the High Street passage.

However, residents took to social media to protest after rumours that East Cambridgeshire District Council had asked the lanterns to be taken down.

One wrote: "I go down this passage specifically to see the lanterns."

Another said: "They look lovely, I don't understand why anyone would want them taken down."

Others said the lanterns "bring joy to the street" and should be allowed to remain.

A petition was even launched by residents campaigning for them to stay, which garnered more than 600 signatures.

The lanterns were put up along the Ely High Street passage (Image: Helen Rickard Hardinge)

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, released a statement on June 8 confirming that the lanterns would be allowed to stay.

The statement reads: "Following concerns raised with the Highways team at Cambridgeshire County Council and a complaint received from one other organisation, officers from East Cambridgeshire District Council visited the site to assess the concerns.

"They noted that part of the lantern display had been fixed onto a listed building and asked the business owner to remove that section only to avoid any potential damage.

"The council recognises this is a very minor issue and is a marginal case and also that the fixing point has now been put in place.

"I have therefore asked officers to speak again with the business owner to confirm that the lanterns can remain in place."

Cllr Bailey added: "We absolutely value the contribution our retailers and businesses make to Ely’s character and vibrancy and always want to take a common-sense approach while also respecting our responsibilities around heritage buildings and public spaces."