The tree is placed each year outside Clydach library

The blackout in Clydach follows advice given to Swansea Council.

Traditionally 240 volt lights have been used to brighten up the tree placed each year outside the library.

But the authority has been told lights above 24 volts should not be used as they would be a danger to anyone vandalising the decorations.

The tree, donated to the community each year by local company Inco, is decorated by the chamber of trade.

The decision has left some residents bemused.

Clydach councillor Sylvia Lewis said: "The tree is always vandalised by youngsters stealing the lights.

This is to ensure the safety of those person that might be inclined to vandalise or interfere with the decoration Swansea Council spokeswoman

"It could be said it is down to their foolishness. It is sad really.

"If something did happen then the council could be held responsible and possible sued.

"It seems a bit churlish really but when you look at it legally the officer in charge could lose his job if something did happen."

But she said there was hope a resident of the village would take delivery of a set of low voltage lights next week - before the annual Father Christmas parade through the village on Wednesday evening.

'Ensure safety'

A spokeswoman for Swansea Council said on Friday it had received new guidance that on public owned land 24- volt lights should be used for outside lightings or decorations.

"This is to ensure the safety of those person that might be inclined to vandalise or interfere with the decorations," she added.

"The lights that the community council would like to use are 240 volts.

"Even though it could be expected that a reasonable person should not interfere with the decorations, we have evidence that shows that is not the case.

"The lights on public land in the city centre and Fforestfach have already been changed to comply with this guidance."

Mervin Davies said youngsters often congregate near the tree

There was a mixed reaction to the bare Christmas tree among shoppers in Clydach on Friday.

Irene Jones said: "I like the Christmas trees with the lights on, I think in the dark it's really cheerful because it's a bit drab this time of year.

"I think if the vandals behaved themselves there would not be any danger."

Mervin Davies said the important thing was that the tree was there.

He added: "I can see that it makes a bit of sense as there are always groups of youngsters hanging around here in the nights."

But Peter Jenkins had less sympathy.

"I'm sorry but if they get hurt it's their own fault," he said.