The public are being urged to help save Fleetwood's Christmas lights.
The town’s Festive Lights Committee have set a £12,000 target to finance the attractions – achievable with public support.
Member Malcolm Ratcliffe says the figure they need to raise is so high because of all the expenses involved in putting up C
hristmas lighting.
Each town in Wyre gets a flat sum of £3,000 from Wyre Council to support the festive lighting effort.
Fleetwood will need £12,000 on top of that.
Mr Ratcliffe said: “Even though we do get support from Wyre Council, many people would be surprised at the expense involved.
“The cost of the lights is not cheap, then there is the expense of erecting them and taking them down.
“Last year we had tremendous support from Fleetwood people and local businesses and we just hope we can keep up the momentum this year.
“If local people support our fund-raising efforts we will reach the target.”
Already this year the committee has staged a successful Motown night at Fleetwood’s Royal British Legion Club which raised £380, and a number of other events earlier in the year.
Other fundraisers are set to follow in the near future.
The committee has also received an offer of help from a local businessman which members are to discuss at their next meeting.
Meanwhile, comedian Joey Blower has offered to inject some glamour into Fleetwood’s Christmas lights switch-on.
After helping to raise the profile of the Cleveleys event last year with the involvement of world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, he wants to do the same for Fleetwood.
Instead of featuring traditional elements like a school choir and brass band it could include rock bands, fun-fair rides and a celebrity to throw the switch.
The gala event could also attract much-needed cash to help pay for the lights.
The Festive Lights Committee has still to decide whether to take him up on the offer.
Chairman Ellen Bater said: “It sounds good but we have to discuss it first.”
