Yule all be in the dark

9:41am Wednesday 5th December 2001

ONE of Swanley's most popular Christmas attractions is under threat.

This year's High Street yuletide lights could be the last says the town's chamber of commerce after battling to find the £8,000 needed to fund them.

It fears the Christmas lights will not happen next year because of district council cutbacks and a decision by a supermarket to cut its annual donation.

This year the chamber received £2,500 from Swanley Town Council, £2,000 from Sevenoaks District Council and £2,000 from the town's Asda store. The remaining money was raised from other firms.

But Sevenoaks District Council funding cuts from £4,500 to £2,000 have left the chamber questioning whether to continue arranging the event.

Chamber secretary Brian Stacey said: “People have told us our lights are some of the best around, it's hard but also a costly thing to do. It's worse this year because Sevenoaks has reduced its grants. We have been banging our heads for some time to get funds out of it.

“Asda has told us it will not be putting up a substantial amount next year, so where will we find it? If the cash isn't there, what can we do?”

Mr Stacey says the chamber will now have to decide whether it can continue organising the event next year. If we don't get the funds we can't do it,” he added.

Explaining the reduction in funding, a Sevenoaks District Council spokesman said cuts have arisen so resources can be distributed more widely throughout the area.

He said: “Funding for such projects should not only come from ourselves but also from chamber of commerce members together with other local organisations.”

Asda deputy manager Lee Heath said the store would continue to give some money and let the lights run from its electricity supply.

But he added: “We won't be giving the full amount so we can spread the money about and give to other local charities.”

Town council clerk Brian Daley said it was unclear whether responsibility for the lights could be taken over by the council.

“We would be very disappointed for the town if the chamber can't do it because they do such a good job.”

“If it is put to the council to take over, it will be a very difficult decision for them.”

Editor's Choice

Editor's Choice