Traders are launching a campaign to bring back Christmas spirit to the streets.

The Lanes Business Network (LBN) and the North Laine Traders' Association (NLTA) are calling for an end to the days of embarrassingly poor light displays which have attracted criticism from across Brighton and Hove.

Last year, the city was named in a national radio poll as the most Scrooge-like place in the country when it came to Christmas lights.

The council - which has already put up £24,000 for displays across the city - has agreed to match money raised by businesses from North Laine and the Lanes up to a limit of £18,000. So far, the traders have raised £2,000.

It is estimated that a quality display in North Laine and The Lanes would cost at least £30,000 each.

NLTA secretary Peter Stocker, co-owner of Workshop Pottery in Trafalgar Street, said: "We are all small businesses and we just can't afford to pay for a good light display. Even to put tinsel across the area would cost about £5,000."

Last year LBN member Sue Addis, owner of Donatello Restaurant in Brighton Place, raised enough money from other businesses to pay for a Christmas tree and garlands of lights in The Lanes.

But the council installed barriers around the tree for health and safety reasons, prompting city councillor Brian Fitch to compare the display with a "murder scene".

Mrs Addis said: "The lack of will at the council to set up a specific working group aimed exclusively at Christmas lights, incorporating all interested parties from around the city, is an obstacle to say the least.

"Small businesses are constantly left with no real focus or direction.

"We are asked to donate money but no one is sure where the lights will be or if any of the displays will ever be seen again."

The LBN is asking for contributions from businesses of £50, £75 or £100.

All contributors will automatically enter a draw for a pampering day for two people.

A council spokesman said: "The council is working closely with the business community to seek out long-term solutions by establishing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

"We have not withdrawn funding and have continually put forward money for Christmas lights.

"It has long been established and understood by the business community that the council cannot afford to foot the entire bill for such an expansive retail area."

Pledges for Christmas lights in The Lanes should be sent to Mark Nelson at First Light, 3 Nile Street, Brighton.

Thursday, August 11, 2005