THE LIGHTS may go out on Tavistock's Christmas festivities in the future if more money cannot be found to keep them going.

Tavistock Town Council's finance and general purposes committee agreed last week to support funding the shortfall of £5,000 following the costly Dickensian evening and Christmas lights display.

Chamber of Commerce chairman Nigel Eadie said each year there was a shortfall and although businesses were very generous the running costs of Christmas in Tavistock were high.

'Any money we had in the bank has been gobbled up by the cost of running the lights and staging Dickensian,' he said. 'We are £3,000 to £5,000 short each year.'

He explained to town councillors that grants from the borough council and TAVi had helped in the last couple years but with the recession things were more difficult.

'The number of businesses who made contributions was impressive considering the economic climate but we are still £5,000 short,' he added.

He said going to the town council was plan A and he did not have a plan B at the moment. Tavistock town council gave a grant to the chamber of £1,500 this year for the Christmas events and has agreed £30,000 over a three year period to pay the capital cost of new lights.

Mr Eadie asked if £5,000 of the £10,000 budgeted for next year could be paid now as an additional grant towards running expenses.

Cllr David Whitcomb said he had visited many traders during Dickensian evening and most of them said they could do with some more Christmas lights: 'They put their hands in their pockets but trading is not good at the moment. I think it may be a good idea if we can help the chamber.'

Town mayor Mandy Govier said she had regular meetings with chamber members on this issue and efforts had been made to try and save money — including getting the town council to buy any new lights so a VAT saving of £1,400 could be made.

'Nobody knew the recession was going to bite as much as it has and some businesses can only afford £10 when they can normally give £50 - £100,' she said.

'I propose we support this and start working on it again in January. It will give us plenty of time to get things sorted and find out how we can make money out of these events more.'

The recommendation was due to be ratified at this Tuesday's full council meeting.

Chamber of Commerce Chairman Nigel Eadie said around £12,000 was needed each year to stage Dickensian evening and the Christmas lights.

'The town council has stepped up and awarded this grant to make up the shortfall and it's a tremendous boost and encouragement for us to be working with a town council that is so supportive and proactive.

'It demonstrates the collaboration and co-operation between the council and the chamber and how it is reaping dividends. We are really appreciative as are the townspeople as whole.'