‘Grinch’ Hume council orders dad to tear down beloved Christmas lights display in Craigieburn
A Melbourne father is accusing a local council of being a “Grinch” after it ordered he remove his Christmas display, which has brought joy to hundreds of local children, or risk a hefty fine.
A Melbourne father spreading Christmas cheer to delighted children has been ordered by the local “Grinch” council to remove his festive display or risk a $9000 fine.
Stephen Jacobs, 44, poured thousands of dollars and two months of work into creating the festive set up outside his Craigieburn house — despite suffering from rheumatoid arthritis — after receiving what he believed was verbal approval from Hume council officers.
Mr Jacobs said he “did everything right” and had spoken with four different officers who told him the family did not need explicit permission to install the display.
The colourful display includes a Santa figure, decorative Christmas balls and — ironically — a Grinch.
But on December 2, Mr Jacobs received a letter from the council demanding the display be removed before December 23 or risk a $9000 fine because he had not “obtained written consent”.
Mr Jacobs said he was “disappointed” with the council’s take down order despite him “trying to do the right thing from the start”.
“I get little kids here every night and really thanking me for doing such a beautiful display for their Christmas, it’s things like that you can’t beat but to receive a letter like that it’s just extremely disappointing,” Mr Jacobs said.
“It’s not only affecting me and my family, it’s affecting the community as well.”
He said he would “abide by the council’s (decision)” but pleaded for some compassion.
“I just wish that they’ll give me a bit of leeway, we’ve spent thousands of dollars to set this up,” Mr Jacobs said.
“They’ve known about my set up for over two months now … Nothing was said about it in October. Why wait until December, just before Christmas, to tell me that I have to take my lights down?
“Thousands of people have been by and everyone loves it and supports me, but the council are just being real Grinches about it and want it down.”
Mr Jacobs, who has been unable to work for more than two years due to his arthritis, said the display gave him purpose and brought joy during a difficult period.
“My life is pretty miserable with this arthritis and I can’t do much, but seeing the kids and the joy and happiness I’ve created for other people — it just melts my heart,” he said.
“Some days I can’t even get out of bed, but I still set all of this up on my own … It’s taken a huge toll on my body, which is why being told to shut it down now is absolutely devastating.”
The council’s chief executive, Sheena Frost, said the decorations had to be contained within the property boundary “to avoid hazards” and Mr Jacobs display posed a “a risk to essential telecommunications infrastructure and presents a potential fire hazard”.
“The Christmas display located at 3 Huron Rd in Craigieburn does not meet the guidelines outlined in Hume City Council’s Nature Strip Policy and is in breach of the Road Management Act 2004,” she said.
“Complying within the time frame to remove this display and fine amounts are set by VicRoads.
“Council has a responsibility to ensure that public spaces remain safe and accessible for all.”
Ms Frost said the council “proudly celebrated” Christmas and hosted a range of festive events and major celebrations.
“We encourage all residents to decorate their homes and share the Christmas spirit in a way that is safe for everyone,” she said.
Meet every school dux from across Victoria
