Festive lights show in Greyhound Close in Hedge End a 'victim of its own success'

But when neighbours living in a cul-de-sac in Hedge End decided to start decorating their homes and gardens with Christmas lights they could never have anticipated the enormous success it would become.

As word spread of how Greyhound Close had been transformed into a magical winter wonderland people began to travel in their thousands to catch a glimpse of the spectacle – prompting traffic warnings and even police intervention to make sure it did not get out of hand.

Now there are fears that the annual event could become a victim of its own success – after taxpayers were left with a £10,000 clear-up bill.

The 2014 lights show raised £18,000 – the biggest amount yet – for local charity Naomi House.

Despite repeated pleas about sensible parking, signs, traffic cones and stewards helping to direct punters, hundreds of visitors ignored them and chose to abandon their vehicles on grass verges close by.

And as well as causing problems for drivers on Maunsell Way, they left behind a muddy, churned-up mess.

Organisers had issued repeated requests for people to park at nearby Hedge End railway station or Dowds Farm in Whites Way instead of blocking roads and causing a traffic headache.

That came a year after police had to be called in due to the large volume of visitors descending on the area.

But after their pleas fell on deaf ears police say they were forced to call a meeting with council chiefs and residents to discuss the future of the popular event.

Now fresh plans will have to be drawn up to ensure taxpayers don’t bear the brunt again – which could see extra marshals drafted in.

Grange Park West councillor Bruce Tennent was one of those at the meeting. He said: “The discussion that went on was that charities that run events like this usually have a contingency plan.

“The event has raised £18,000 and the money has gone to charity but tax payers are paying for the expense of it.

‘Another solution’ “We need to come up with another solution because the organisers need to get marshals out to direct vehicles to the car parks.”

“There is no fear of the event stopping, we just need the organisers to organise it.”

Sheila Baynes, chair of Hedge End Town Council, hopes the meeting will ensure the lights display will run more smoothly in the future.

She said: “I think they have got to be careful with the parking and they have to have a scheme in place which they have already.

“I think everyone is delighted by the lights but they have to be carefully managed.”

A spokesman for the residents of Greyhound Close said they will be making contact with relevant authorities to find ways to eliminate disruption or damage.

A further meeting between police, council representatives and residents will take place in coming months.