AN OXFORD Muslim has won his one man battle to get lights turned on for Christmas in Cowley Road.

Amir Steve Ali, 39, questioned earlier this month why lights were switched on in the area for Eid, but not for Christmas.

Since then, he has been working tirelessly with Oxford City Council to get the lights turned on just in time for Christmas.

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Upon the switching on of the lights on yesterday evening, Mr Ali said: "I'm happy and proud, people can walk down Cowley Road and feel Christmassy, the Christmas spirit is there."

"Many people are happy and everyone has been commenting on social media.

"This will unite our community.

"I want to thank Oxford City Council for supporting me, they've all worked very hard."

Mr Ali had previously expressed his desire for the community to pull together.

Read again: Mr Ali's calls for Christmas lights

He said: "These things (the lack of lights at Christmas) can separate people.

"I’m very grateful for the Eid lights but everyone should be coming together and doing something for Christmas as well."

And now, the lights have been turned on.

Paula Redway, Oxford City Council’s culture and community development manager, said: “The City Council is happy to support the Christmas lights in Cowley Road and we hope they will add some extra Christmas cheer to this vibrant part of Oxford.”