CHRISTMAS lights hanging over the war memorial in Bolton's Victoria Square are insensitive before Remembrance Day, a councillor claims.

Deputy Tory leader John Walsh has criticised the festive lights claiming they are "disrespectful" to servicemen and women who died for their country.

On Sunday war veterans and their families will gather at the memorial to remember those who fought in two world wars and other conflicts.

But at the moment the lights, due to be switched on on November 15, are dangling over the memorial.

Cllr Walsh said: "I think this is a bit insensitive before Remembrance Day. The lights hang down right in front of the memorial and have been put up too soon.

"Given the current world situation I am sure more people than ever will be visiting the square on Sunday.

"I am not saying we should not celebrate Christmas, but that we are seven weeks away from it and one week away from Remembrance Day, so let's keep things in perspective."

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "We will remove a section of the lights before Remembrance Sunday."

Ken McIvor, president of the Bolton Normandy Veterans Association, said he had not seen the decorations. He added: "The lights are only being switched on on November 15, so I don't know what the fuss is about.

"We have lights in the square every year and Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ anyway."