THE FLICKER may go out on Callington's Christmas lights unless £2,600 can be raised to keep the display going this year. Callington portreeve Denise Winfindale is asking people to put their hands in their pockets to help the cause if they want to see a festive show this Christmas. The lights and fixings need to be tested to meet current health and safety legislation but Cllr Winfindale told members of the public at the annual meeting recently that the money was just not there to do it at the moment. 'The last thing I want is for the lights to come down — I would be devastated,' she said. 'They really brighten up Callington and make people feel better. Because the lighting is poor in Callington anyway, they actually act as a security measure and make the community safer 'I know Christmas seems a long way away and everyone is thinking about other things but I'm sure they will have something to say if there are no lights in December.' The portreeve, who organises special events in the town and is the driving force behind Callington Christmas programme of events, is busy raising funds through refreshments at town hall events but is asking people to come forward with other ideas. 'I would organise a barbecue or a disco but I need people's support. Anyone who can help, has an idea or wants to donate money should get in touch.' Town councillor Jeremy Gist said: 'It is not so much about money than the country's obsession with health and safety regulations. 'It is well over £2,000 just to test the lights. If any of them fail it is almost endless. Several towns have run up against similar problems. Regulations are spreading out of control.' As a result of Callington having lost 50% of its outside services grant from Caradon District Council this year, money has been tight and one workman has already had to go, so too have the hanging baskets which make the town so colourful in the summer. In order to keep the precept down, the town council has not budgeted for the Christmas lights but the finance committee will be discussing emergency funding later this month. Meanwhile, Cllr Winfindale is also keen to hear from traders who might want to get involved. 'As individual businesses, traders might want to do their own display for Christmas and one idea is to hold a shop window display competition like we do for Gala Day,' she said. Town clerk Lynda Small said that under current legislation the lights would probably needed to be tested every three years. 'Realistically, we ought to be budgeting £1,000 a year for this and it would be carried over so we have enough for the maintenance of these lights. Of course then there is the maintenance and renewal of all the other lights on the town hall and St Mary's Close.' Mrs Small said a large Christmas banner that was placed near the traffic lights had come to the end of its life and would not be replaced because of the cost. Anyone who can help save Callington's Christmas lights can call the town clerk's office on 01579 384039.