Fighting lighting spirit

David Carnduff • Published 24 Dec 2009 10:41 0 Comments

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A 'fighting fund' set up to buy Christmas lights for Helensburgh has raised £4,000 in one week.

Three more Burgh businessman have pledged £1,000 each - following the lead set last week by Buffet Shop owner Michael Curley who launched the fund with his own £1,000 donation.

News of the additional funding came amid continuing criticism of this year's display, described as "pathetic - the worst in the West of Scotland".

Michael, who runs the coffee shop and delicatessen in Colquhoun Square, told the Advertiser: "There was a huge response to the story in last week's Advertiser - and now three more businessmen have come forward and each pledged £1,000 for the fighting fund which has been set up to ensure that we get a proper display next year.

"Their donations show that feelings are running very high in the town over the lights issue, and is a demonstration that people are not prepared to sit back and accept this third-rate treatment. I have also had a very positive feedback from my customers who are incensed by the poor show of lights."

Michael fears local retailers may have missed out on Christmas business because shoppers looking for festive cheer have been lured away to neighbouring towns which have attractive displays.

"We just want to have some pride in our town and not be ashamed of it," he said. "We are not calling for a witch hunt, nor are we apportioning blame. We have to be positive and look now to next year to ensure this does not happen again."

Michael said he believed that if it were to be successful, the whole community, including the retailers, would have to get behind the campaign. And the council will have to do their bit too. Fundraising - with collection boxes placed in shops and other public places around town - might be worth considering, he said.

Members of the Christmas Lights Action Group - launched in the wake of public dismay at the fiasco - have been delighted with the quick responses of the four local businessmen to donate to the fund.

Group member Mary Horswell made a blistering attack on Argyll and Bute Council, who revealed back in October there was little cash for a lights display this year.

"I am disgusted by the poor display this year - it makes us look like a dead frontier town. On Sunday, for example, when children were coming from church after their nativity plays and other Christmas activities, not one light was lit up in the square. It was disgraceful.

"In council tax terms, Helensburgh puts in 30 per cent to the council and gets 18 per cent in return - and the lights fiasco is a slap in the face to us. Where is the justice in it all? Other towns in Agryll and Bute had much better displays than us."

Mary said it was understandable that people were being lured away by attractive displays elsewhere. She said that Alexandria, for example, had a beautiful display - one that the townspeople there could be proud of.

Joan Mulroy, another member of the Lights Action Group, said: "Christmas has cometo town thanks to Friends of the Victoria Halls, the Highland Games-organised switch-on event, and the amazing Santa Dash, as well as the lovely trees and displays in the station, provided by the Horticultural Club. These are all volunteer organisations who have given of their time, efforts, and money.

"Nonetheless, I am sorry folks had to witness the disappointment and 'blackout Christmas effect' for themselves before the enormity of our dismal Christmas light situation hit home. However, I am delighted - and very proud of our local community - that so many people have shown real community spirit by pledging cash and support to make sure this will not be repeated next year.

"We need a robust and viable fundraising plan that will have to include more than just buying lights. Times are tough - but there are people in the area who have been spurred on and contacted the group of people already working on making Christmas 2010 in Helensburgh a much brighter and more festive time for us all; but especially for our kids and families who deserve so much more."

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