An appeal has been made for any residents and businesses who would be willing to help towards the cost of making sure the Christmas lights stay on in Weston village this winter.
Weston Councillor Colin Barrett (Cons) is calling for local benefactors who would be willing to step in to help save the Christmas decorations which have lit up the Post Office end of the village’s High Street for the past three years.
In 2011 Councillor Barrett managed to raise nearly £8,000 to install the Christmas lights thanks to donations from a combination of local traders, housing association Curo, and the village’s Tesco Express store, as well as a contribution from Colin’s own Ward Councillors’ budget.
However this funding, which lasted three years, has now run out and B&NES Council, which pays for the Christmas lights at the other end of the High Street, has said it is unwilling to step in.
As a result, Councillor Barrett is trying to raise the £2,000 needed to ensure the Christmas lights can remain on throughout Weston High Street over this year’s festive season.
Councillor Colin Barrett (Cons, Weston) said: “It’s been fantastic for the village to have these Christmas lights up throughout the High Street over the past three years, and I’d like to thank all those who helped contribute towards the cost of both having them fitted and illuminated.
“However, the funding for these lights has now run out, meaning if we can’t raise the £2,000 needed they won’t be up again this year.
“Over the next few weeks I’ll be speaking with local business and other organisations, taking along the proverbial begging bowl, to try and get the funds together once again.
“But if any generous benefactors would be willing to contribute anything at all to the lights, all donations would be very gratefully received.
“If anyone feels they are able to support this campaign, please get in touch with me and I can explain how they can help. All donations are paid direct to the Council, not through myself.”
Anyone interested in supporting the Weston Christmas Lights campaign should email Cllr Barrett at [email protected].
