The town council in Havant, England, decided to have a Festival of Lights this year rather than Christmas lights -- a decision even Muslims have criticized.

ADVERTISEMENT

A "tired" Father Christmas, described as a fire hazard, and his grotto have been given the boot from a town shopping center in an effort by the council and local businesses to avoid offending non-Christians.

Supporters did not include David Gillett, leader of the Havant Borough Council, who told the London Daily Mail the decision is "a case of political correctness gone absolutely barmy."

Had the council asked people for their opinion, "they would find that people of all faiths do not have a problem with this," said a spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain.

John Willis, who runs a fruit and vegetable shop, said Havant has failed its customers.

"Banning Santa's grotto and dropping the word Christmas is ludicrous. It will make for a miserable Christmas in Havant," Willis said.