The town’s festive displays have been split between the town council and the independent volunteer-run Barnard Castle Christmas Lights (BCCL) group for the past two years.
Praise was heaped on last year’s expanded effort by the volunteers – leading town councillors to mull over handing the whole project over to the independent group at the latest partnership committee.
Partnership chairwoman Cllr Judi Sutherland suggested a takeover.
“I think everybody recognises all the fundraising it does throughout the year,” she added.
“If you start things going, groups grow and gather momentum and when they want to continue they can spin out so we don’t have to micro manage them.”
The independent group raises money for the town displays through curry nights, raffles and an array of fundraisers throughout the year.
Cllr Roger Peat, who is also chairman of the independent lights group, said finances were tight, adding that the group had spent £18,000 on new equipment since its inception.
He added: “Until we wrote it all out we were quite surprised how much it all costs just to stay as we are.
“Everything now is new and they will last four or five years but they will need to be replaced.
“The existing three year contract is up this Christmas so there needs to be a decision on who takes over what after next Christmas.”
The town council spends £2,500 holding its switch on ceremony for the festive displays.
It technically owns the lights bought by the BCCL group and then grants use of them free of charge.
Cllr Mark Wilkes thought a takeover of more responsibilities was the right way to go.
He said: “I think it’s a good idea – the group has done a fantastic job.”
Cllr Sutherland added: “It’s amazing what has been done in a couple of years and the lights group certainly has had a lot of favourable comments.”
The BCCL has made improving lighting down The Bank in the town one of their priorities this December.
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