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Clare’s Christmas Lights Axed?
BOTH residents and visitors alike have for many years enjoyed the seasonal spectacle of Clare’s Christmas Lights. However, there is a possibility that this may not be able to continue after this year.
The lights and the turning-on ceremony held at the end of November, have traditionally been paid for by St Edmundsbury Borough Council along with contributions to the cost being made up by the Clare business community and the Town Council.
Owing to budget cuts at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, it has been stated that the town’s contributions will have to be doubled this coming Christmas to £2000. Following discussions, the Town Council have decided maintain their contribution at £500; this leaves an extra £1000 to be made up by the business community.
By using the small amount of money held in reserve by the Business Association as well as seeking an increased contribution from those businesses who support the lighting project, it is hoped that this year’s display can continue as before…but this cannot be guaranteed.
If this project is to continue, then help from the people of Clare is needed. “Our lighting scheme is much admired by other local communities and it would be a great shame to lose it”, said one of the town traders.
To try and find a solution to prevent Clare losing it’s Christmas lights, a small, unofficial ‘Clare Lights Group’ has been set up to bring together and examine ideas. If you can help in any way then contact the group via Malcolm Smith at Clare Pharmacy (01787 277315), or Tony Beverly at Nightingales (01787 277672).
Date : 10-08-2001
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