Barnard Castle Christmas Lights has gradually taken on more responsibility for the illuminations. Now the group has moved to set up a cash agreement with Barnard Castle Town Council to secure its future.
Spearhead of the group Cllr Roger Peat says it needs £8,500 a year just to maintain the displays at 2016 levels.
He said: “We are just short of £6,000 at present and we are trying to get funds for the next year – we are not trying to work hand to mouth.”
The lights group, which is run by volunteers, has brought in money for Christmas light displays through fundraising events. It also uses the town council’s own lighting equipment.
But the group has asked whether it can be given full responsibility from the town council for erecting, taking down, storing and testing the lights. Cllr Peat added: “It will cost about £8,500 a year and that’s on the low side. Therefore the contract would be on the condition that £6,500 would be donated annually from the town council with the remaining amount raised by Barnard Castle Christmas Lights committee.”
The town council’s Christmas budget for this year is just £5,500. Cllr Peat warned costs could be even higher than the £6,500 donation but added that entering a “service level agreement” with the town council could make all the difference.
He said: “In previous years it’s been nearer £10,000 – it’s been reducing a bit but it’s thanks to Barnard Castle Christmas Lights we have been able to spend it.”
With a regular income enabling charity status, Barnard Castle Christmas Lights group would then have access to more funding opportunities.
Richard Welsby, from The Bowes Museum, told councillors the displays had “improved vastly” in recent years.
However, with the town’s Christmas lights display continuing to grow and decorations requiring costly replacements over time and Cllr Peat said he may “lose sleep” over the funding situation.
He added: “It’s like all these things – you have to go for the grants but you cannot guarantee you will keep getting that same level of funding.”
Town clerk Michael King said the amount in the service level agreement could be adjusted. More festoon lighting down The Bank has been promised by the volunteers for this year.
The group is also looking into purchasing a new large tree costing £1,000 which will give the effect of falling snow.
Mr King added: “The agreement is to take that to the next level to facilitate all the lights through the group with scope to deliver at least what is beling delivered now.” The next meeting of the lights group will be held on August 8 at the Old Well Inn, at 6.30pm.
The group is also looking into purchasing a new large tree costing £1,000 which will give the effect of falling snow.
Mr King added: “The agreement is to take that to the next level to facilitate all the lights through the group with scope to deliver at least what is beling delivered now.” The next meeting of the lights group will be held on August 8 at the Old Well Inn, at 6.30pm.
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