Ashburton is facing a financial black hole which could leave the town without Christmas lights this year. Community and business leaders have called on the public to help after being given the news that replacing the ageing display like for like would cost £45,000 or more. Even if the town opts for a more modest display, costing £16,500, preparatory work to upgrade the infrastructure needs to be completed soon and that alone will cost £4,000. Stringent new health and safety laws also mean that whichever display is eventually installed, annual maintenance looks set to cost between £4,000 and £5,000. 'It used to be case of someone going up a ladder and the local fire brigade helping out, but that's no longer possible,' said Keith Benwell, treasurer for the Ashburton Chamber of Trade. 'And we can't really replace the current strings of lights as that would mean substantial works, including the installation of large metal plates, on several old buildings, all of which are privately owned.' l turn to page 1 1 from page one The plan is to install a display erected on 17 of the town's lampposts with just two light features across the road, one each in both East Street and West Street. 'What we need straight away is the £3,000-£4,000 infrastructure in place if we're going to press ahead with it,' said Mr Benwell 'The chamber of trade could just about afford that but if we are to continue with Christmas street lighting we will require substantial interest and support from traders and residents. 'If the cash and the support isn't there, then there will be no lights in Ashburton this year.' Mr Benwell is also seeking anyone who can offer help and advice to give the display a chance of being realised. He said that the success of a 'fall back' scheme in which individual businesses could erect Christmas trees above their doors could flop if the displays were inconsistent and some individuals chose not to take part. Offers of help should be directed to Mr Benwell on 01364 652645 or to the town clerk, John Germon, at the town hall.
