Published: October 31, 2007
Disappointment for organisers of Burnham's Christmas lights

Disappointed organisers of this year's Burnham-On-Sea Christmas lights have this week been told that their bid for grant cash to fund the colourful display has been partially turned down.

Burnham's Chamber of Trade, which oversees the management of the lights along the High Street (pictured) and other parts of the town, had wanted £2,500 of funding to help with the costs of new lights and maintaining existing ones.

The group applied to Sedgemoor District Council's Grants Panel for £2,500 of funding, but was this week partially turned down.

It will be given only £1,700 because the Panel believes the Chamber of Trade does not have enough support among businesses in the town.

Disappointed Alex Turco, Chairman of Burnham's Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Whilst this was not the full amount for which the Chamber applied, it should still be possible for there to be a good display and an excellent switch-on on Saturday 24th November."

"It was rather embarrassing for Cllr Nobby Turner to suggest that the business community itself was not showing enough support for the Chamber's activities and this then to be used by the Grant Panel as a main reason for the grant to be reduced."

"One can see his point when 54 businesses have renewed their subscriptions this year, but there are over 200 town centre businesses. Given that the Chamber is not just about Christmas Lights, there is no reason why more businesses do not join."

BBC Points West Somerset reporter Clinton Rogers was recently named as the VIP who will officially switch on Burnham's Christmas lights. He will flip the switch at 4pm on Saturday November 24th to illuminate the town. The ceremony will take place during a day-long event, which will start at 11am with a Christmas market featuring over 20 stalls along the High Street (as pictured above last year).

Mr Turco added that members get a range of benefits, including entry into the 2008 Shopper's Guide, invites to regular meetings, copies of newsletters, their opinions considered when lobbying for improvements, plus participation in shopping events such as Treasure Hunt competitions.

"I really hope that this demonstrates once and for all that if the town's businesses work together better results will be achieved."

RELATED LINKS:

Burnham-On-Sea Chamber Of Trade
BBC man to switch on Burnham's Christmas lights
What's on in Burnham-On-Sea