SANTA Claus and his reindeer are – in the immortal words of Phil Spector – coming to town, Ammanford councillors have been told.

Town clerk Miriam Phillips revealed Santa’s horned helpers would play a part in the town’s eagerly awaited Christmas celebrations – a joint venture with Ammanford Chamber of Trade and Carmarthenshire County Council – on Saturday, November 23.

“We’ve tried desperately to get the reindeer here in previous years but now it seems we’ve finally got them,” she told members.

But Mrs Phillips said the reindeer would have to be tethered down by the Pensioners Hall “well away from the dog show in Quay Street”.

Cllr Jonathan Davies commented: “We certainly can’t afford to have the reindeer and dogs having a giant scrap in the middle of town.”

But members were shocked to learn that around half the lights decorating trees in the town centre – at a total cost of £700 – were vandalised last year.

Councillors heard there had been reports of wires being cut and lights removed from branches.

“Once people find out just how much these lights cost us, perhaps they’ll be encouraged to be a bit more vigilant this year,” said Cllr Chris Jones.

Mrs Phillips added that the chamber had ensured parking would be free on the day, which will include the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights.