HUNTINGDON S town centre traders are already halfway to funding this year s Christmas lights. And they have £2,000 more earmarked for buying the features they want to add. The total cost of the month-long show of seasonal display is put at £10,000, which

HUNTINGDON'S town centre traders are already halfway to funding this year's Christmas lights.

And they have £2,000 more earmarked for buying the features they want to add.

The total cost of the month-long show of seasonal display is put at £10,000, which funds installation in November and removal in January, storage, maintenance and electricity.

Thanks to grants of £2,500 each from Huntingdon Town Council and Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, and £2,000 raised by a sponsored "jail and bail" event involving local worthies last year, the total has reached £7,000.

But the jail-and-bail money does not count toward the running costs, so the organisers still need to raise a further £5,000.

The appeal's next fund-raising event will be a dinner at the George Hotel, Huntingdon, on Thursday, October 11.

In parallel, the partnership has launched a "500 club" with net proceeds dedicated to the lights appeal. The £2-a-month tickets offer the chance to win a first prize of £300 each month when the target of 500 members is reached. As more people join, the prize money is set to increase.

One of the partnership's off-shoots, Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime (HBAC), has appointed Collette Betts as it new manager to succeed Derek Hiscoke, who has moved from the area.

With crime figures rising nationally but falling locally, HBAC works to assist people wishing to protect their business, staff and property. Working with members and partners, including local police and the CCTV control rooms in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives, vital information on crime, fraudulent activity and anti-social behaviour is captured and sent to HBAC members.

This works in conjunction with radio communication, the HBAC exclusion scheme and lobbying on behalf of members.

CONTACT: Katy Sismore, town centre manager on 01480 450250 or www.huntingdontowncentrepartnership.co.uk