THE Christmas lights in Huntingdon are provided each year by Huntingdon Town Partnership. A small Christmas lights committee, with representatives from Huntingdon Town Council and Huntingdon Town Partnership, raises funds to install and insure the lights
THE Christmas lights in Huntingdon are provided each year by Huntingdon Town Partnership. A small Christmas lights committee, with representatives from Huntingdon Town Council and Huntingdon Town Partnership, raises funds to install and insure the lights and to provide the Big Switch-On entertainment.
To provide the same lights and entertainment this year as 2007 the total estimated cost is £15,000. An additional significant cost in 2008 is the testing and possible replacement of wall bolts and cross street wires required to hang the lights.
Preparations for the Huntingdon Christmas Lights 2008 started in March when a questionnaire was sent to all the businesses within the Huntingdon ring road, asking what level of Christmas lights they would like to see. There were four options to choose from, ranging from "the same lights as 2007" through to "five lights in the Market Square" and finally "no lights".
Of the 220 questionnaires delivered only 17 were returned - a big thank you to all the businesses that replied, and particularly to those who pledged £1,900 towards the Christmas lights.
Contributions totalling £9,000 have also been received from other organisations in the town, including Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdon Town Partnership and Churchmanor Estates. This, after the £1,900, will leave a shortfall of approximately £4,000, resulting in insufficient funds to provide the same Christmas lights and Big Switch-On event that everyone in Huntingdon has come to expect.
The Christmas lights committee is now faced with a difficult decision. Do we have Christmas lights? Can you help? Let us know on 01480 450250 or e-mail christmas@huntingdontownpartnership.co.uk.
KATY SISMORE
Huntingdon Town Partnership
Princes Street
For Huntingdon Christmas Lights Committee
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