Published: October 16, 2012
Highbridge to get extra Christmas sparkle with new festive lights

Highbridge is set to look a lot more festive this Christmas after the Town Council this week gave its backing to a £6,000 project to replace the town's decorative lights.

Mike Murphy, Chairman of Highbridge Chamber of Trade, pictured with the current lights, appealed for financial help to replace the aging illuminations during a meeting of the council's Policy and Finance Committee last night (Monday).

"Highbridge has been relying on the current cast-offs, which used to be on Burnham seafront, for too long. They're old hat and at least five years old," he said. "Residents want something that looks a little more festive."

He explained that the Chamber of Trade wants to replace the lights with brand new LED illuminations over the next two Christmases.

"We'll replace the lights on a priority basis, starting with Church Street this year and then Market Street next year," he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

Councillor Helen Groves backed the plans, saying: "The lights really need replacing. Many residents get quite vocal about the lack of investment in Highbridge and I definitely support the purchase of new lights."

Councillors voted to give a grant of £2,000 this year to the Chamber of Trade's project and to set aside a further £2,000 for next year. The chamber has a further £2,500 in its reserves for the project.

The funding is subject to final approval from the full Town Council in November. Speaking afterwards, Mr Murphy said he was "delighted" with outcome.