A Perth council has distanced itself from claims it is playing 'Christmas Grinch' and has denied ordering a Byford lights display to be dismantled.
Controversy surrounding Christmas lights on the Malabar Street came to a head on Friday, with property owners saying they may be "forced" to remove their display due to complaints from members of the public.
The extravagant display, which includes special guest appearances by ponies and a goat, has been drawing strong crowds, and raises money for charity.
But a statement issued by the Shire on Monday afternoon pointed to a number of safety concerns regarding the display.
"On Friday afternoon, Shire rangers advised a resident of Malabar Street, Byford of several clear and serious safety issues regarding a residential light display," a spokesperson said.
"These issues predominantly concerned exposed and potentially dangerous electrical wiring, and the installation of steel poles on the road reserve close to gas, electricity, water, sewerage, and telecommunications connections.
"The resident had not advised the shire prior to installing the poles, and to our knowledge, had not contacted Dial Before You Dig."
The shire said local rangers had expressed concern over electrical cords and connections that had been "poorly covered with plastic wrap" and were exposed to the elements.
While the shire said it was fully supportive of Christmas light displays which they saw as a "community tradition", they had a duty of care to ensure all structures complied with safety standards.
In this case, the spokesperson said, a "clear and obvious" safety risk was present at Malabar Street.
But the Shire denied ever forcing the property owners to remove the display.
"At no point has the shire instructed the resident to remove or dismantle the display and have instead offered assistance to ensure it is compliant with safety standards," they said.
"On Monday afternoon, the resident submitted an Application for Works Within a Road Reserve. This application involves the resident supplying an electrical safety certificate, and obtaining public liability insurance.
"We are doing everything we can to fast-track this application and will work with the resident so the community can safely visit and enjoy this light display."
Following the works submission, the property owners confirmed they would be working with the Shire to "save Christmas" and keep the display running.