WINTER nights in Waterloo have been cheered up by the introduction of new tree lights which will twinkle all year-round.

Waterloo Quarter BID has financed the installation of the lights in three key locations with the aim of visually linking major retail areas.

Three trees now bear attractive displays opposite the Old Vic, while two more sets of lights have been put up outside the Duke of Sussex in Baylis Road.

The area around Cubana at the entrance to Lower Marsh has also been brightened up with four trees now holding bulbs.

Waterloo Quarter Environment and Public Realm Manager Katie Lindsay said: “I was so excited when I first saw the lights go on.

“They really brighten up the area and make walking in Waterloo at night a much more enjoyable experience.”

The tree lights are photo sensitive so come on automatically when it gets dark.

The BID team is currently working with Southwark and Lambeth Councils, Transport for London and energy suppliers to erect more lights across the BID area.