Tree blackout 'protects vandals'

[Don]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/4085361.stm

bbc said:

Tree blackout 'protects vandals' The tree is placed each year outside Clydach library A 20ft village Christmas tree is standing without decorations due to fears the high-voltage lights usually used may electrocute vandals. 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. "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.

Let the little shites fry, I say...

[mrmaggit]

Put 5000 volts through the lot of 'em, I say!

Put some life into the Norwegian Blue and Welsh Red.

[Don]

mrmaggit said:

Put 5000 volts through the lot of 'em, I say! Put some life into the Norwegian Blue and Welsh Red.

Evolution in action!

[nevpugh308]

If I was in charge of the tree I think I'd be tempted to say "f**k you all then, you're not getting a tree in that case" !

(damn I'm getting stroppy, must be an age thing ...)

[turbobloke]

Doh. There's no absolute guarantee that a set of low voltage bulbs will be safer, voltage by itself isn't the problem, current is the killer. Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier just to put a residual current device on the 240V power supply?

[turbobloke]

nevpugh308 said:

damn I'm getting stroppy, must be an age thing ...

[mrmaggit]

turbobloke said:

Doh. There's no absolute guarantee that a set of low voltage bulbs will be safer, voltage by itself isn't the problem, current is the killer. Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier just to put a residual current device on the 240V power supply?

No. You can't guarantee to kill the little b*ggers, then.

[turbobloke]

mrmaggit said:

turbobloke said: Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier just to put a residual current device on the 240V power supply? No. You can't guarantee to kill the little b*ggers, then.

Double doh. No disputing your logic there mrm

[Don]

turbobloke said:

mrmaggit said: turbobloke said: Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier just to put a residual current device on the 240V power supply? No. You can't guarantee to kill the little b*ggers, then. Double doh. No disputing your logic there mrm

[MrsMiggins]

So I suppose if I buy a doberman to protect the house I'll need to remove his teeth so he doesn't hurt any burglars?

What is this country coming to?

[wedg1e]

turbobloke said:

Doh. There's no absolute guarantee that a set of low voltage bulbs will be safer, voltage by itself isn't the problem, current is the killer. Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier just to put a residual current device on the 240V power supply?

Hmmmm.... yeah, but 24v is generally not high enough to overcome the resistance of the skin. Now if you were to stick your tongue in there...

[c c]

How Sad

[hedders]

MrsMiggins said:

So I suppose if I buy a doberman to protect the house I'll need to remove his teeth so he doesn't hurt any burglars? What is this country coming to?

Not only it's teeth, but also its legs cos it might jump up at the burglar and suprise him, causing mental anguish.

Also, always remember to put your toothless/limbless guard dog in the corner when you go to bed, you wouldn't want a burglar tripping over him and causing himself an injury.

[rossmac]

replace the tinsel with razor wire

[Donut]

hedders said:

Not only it's teeth, but also its legs cos it might jump up at the burglar and suprise him, causing mental anguish. Also, always remember to put your toothless/limbless guard dog in the corner when you go to bed, you wouldn't want a burglar tripping over him and causing himself an injury.

I think i just wet m'self

[towman]

Here He Is...."Lump, the politically correct guard dog"

http://atomfilms.shockwave.com/landing/landingIndex.jsp?id=atom_262