RISING debt could see Tenbury's Christmas switched off for good if donations and sponsorship fails to improve.

Chairman of the Festive Lights Committee, Frank Crisp, believes it is time to pull the plug on what are deemed to be some of the best seasonal lights in the West Midlands before it's too late.

He said: "We have been lighting up Tenbury at Christmas for 11 years; adding, improving and updating them and by introducing the latest - a decorative lights panel system.

"They have been extended to Cross Street, Church Street and the Teme bridge at some considerable cost, however, despite all the praise we receive for our efforts and the pleasure it brings at Christmas, donations and sponsorship have just not materialised."

In the current financial year, the committee's figures show that almost £7,000 has been spent on improving the lights but income is down to £4,600.

Across the board, the number of contributors has rapidly decreased, with businesses donations dropping from 15% to 10%.

"We have struggled along but we are constantly out of pocket, and this can't go on," warned Mr Crisp.

"The committee must now seriously consider the future of lighting up the town at Christmas and consider ways of resolving the debt by selling off the new lights to other towns if we cannot raise more funding locally. Next year will be too late".

Anyboyd wanting to contribute to the lights fund can make a donation now at the Food Hall and the Country Restaurant, in Teme Street, or by contacting Mr Crisp on 01584 810791.

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