PEOPLE in Castle Douglas need to rally round if the town is to have Christmas lights this year.
That was the message from the community council at its latest meeting.
Members discussed various options and have pledged to help with attempts to bring the festive decorations to King Street this Christmas.
The organisation is hopeful that something can be in place for this year but admit they face a race against the clock to raise the funding in time. The town’s six-year Christmas lights contract with Blachere Illumination expired last year.
The rental cost £1,700 per year and it is estimated that a similar amount is required again.
Chair Fiona McGregor has urged members of the public and businesses of the town to come forward and offer support to ensure that the town does not miss out.
She said: “People need to realise what a fantastically vibrant town this is and we need the public to help with assistance and contributions.
“This is absolutely required from the people and businesses of Castle Douglas.
“If people do not come forward, then unfortunately there simply will not be the decorations and lights that we have had previous years.
“Everybody benefits from the Christmas lights as they bring people to the town who then spend time and money here, which is beneficial to the local economy.”
Proposals were also discussed to dissolve the community initiative, which has previously organised the lights, and start a specific lights-based fund.
These suggestions would lead to the community council taking on the responsibility of organising the rental and erection of the town’s Christmas lights.
l Would you like to help to ensure that Castle Douglas has its Christmas lights this year?
Contact Andrew Burns on 01387 240355 or andrew.burns@s-un.co.uk
