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Published: Friday, 16th May, 2008 12:00pm

Lights out threat as committee numbers dwindle

PEEBLES faces a festive blackout this year unless some bright sparks illuminate the local Lights Association.

The committee that organizes Christmas lights around the town centre is on the brink of folding - with only two members left.

And the cross-street lights are approaching the end of their three-year lease.

A crunch meeting was held with community groups recently to shed some light on a future plan. But doubt remains over the Association"s future.

Chris Blackwood and Toby Watts are the only remaining members of Peebles Christmas Lights Association. Chris told the Peeblesshire News: 'We either get support and funding or we"ll be handing back the lights that we have on hire and it could be the end of the association.

'We need people to become involved and help us or it will be the end of the road.

'It is a costly business acquiring the lights and putting them up and takes a great amount of fundraising.'

Spiraling insurance costs leave lights organizers with an annual bill of around £7,000 for decorating Peebles each Christmas.

The town faced a similar problem three years ago when appeals were made for new committee members.

Around half-a-dozen volunteers, including Toby and Chris, came forward. And a massive fundraising campaign saved the day.But the numbers have dwindled since the turn of the year.

Chris added: 'There has been some criticism of the lights and we would love to make the display better but we need help.

'There are always plenty of volunteers to help putting up and taking down the lights but we need committee members now.'

A further meeting is being organized towards the end of June in a hope of recruiting new members.