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Town's holiday lights in flux over code violations

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EXETER, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire town that said it wouldn't be decorated with holiday lights this season because of code issues with a utility now has a glimmer of hope.

The Portsmouth Herald reports that Exeter town officials have been talking to Unitil and are looking to get an electrician to install a needed meter and utility pole panel so they can set up their lighted garlands.

Unitil installed some new poles this summer that changed the overall electric layout of downtown. Scott Wade of Unitil had told officials that the garlands get close to energized electrical lines; they can't be within 40 inches.

Unitil has offered to do some line work, and the local fire and public works departments are pitching in to get holiday lights up.