Question mark hangs over Christmas lights (From Thisisdorset)

Question mark hangs over Christmas lights

7:00pm Tuesday 29th April 2008 in News By Bob Jolliffe

NEW Milton councillors could be forced to pull the plug on festive Christmas lights in the future unless traders dig deep and find funding.

Last year just 10 per cent of town centre traders - a record low - stumped up a contribution for the town centre display.

Boosted by £375 from the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Probus and residents' association, the total amount raised by 13 businesses was £950, though another five provided electrical power.

In a report to the town council's finance and general purposes committee clerk Alan Gray says: "Apart from the few stalwarts who have loyally donated to the lights everyone must wonder if the other shopkeepers and businesses in New Milton are even vaguely interested in the town."

And he points out that new Health & Safety requirements will mean equipment will soon have to be upgraded, lamp columns which carry the lights will have to be re-certified in 2009 and low energy bulbs used.

That will provide an ideal time for the council to review its part in the Christmas lights display.

"Does the town council wish to be involved with these? Is the town interested? If so, should the lights be replaced and with what?" he asks.

"It could cost between £35,000 and £50,000 to replace everything."

Last Christmas the council paid £7,549 for the display and a similar has been set aside for 2008/9.

Mr Gray told the Echo: "We normally send out about 160 letters to all the town businesses and organisations, but quite honestly, 16 or 17 - 10 per cent- is the lowest it's ever been.

"I've tried over the last 12 years, but it's been hard work quite honestly. I'm not looking for appreciation.

"The lights are there. Some people praise us, some people hit about the head, but the shopkeepers seem to be totally disinterested."

Councillors discussed the issue on Tuesday.