A last minute appeal has gone out to Billericay residents to do their bit to ensure the town has a bright Christmas.

With only three weeks to go before the High Street Christmas lights are turned on, Billericay and District Residents' Association is still about £4,000 short of the £15,000 it needs to pay for them.

Members took to the streets for a flag day on Saturday and managed to raise £750, but more still needs to be done.

Now local people are being asked to dig deep into their pockets to make up the shortfall.

Committee member Margaret Stansfield said: "Money is still coming in, but we are still several thousand pounds short.

"We had the flag day so that the ordinary people of the town as opposed to members of the residents' association could do their bit.

"We are hoping that people will really rally round. If they want the lights, they have to appreciate they have to be paid for."

Mrs Stansfield and husband Trevor will also be visiting businesses throughout the town in the next few days chasing up donations.

Anyone who wants to contribute to the appeal should send their donations to the residents' association's treasurer, Allen Evans, at 11 Porchester Drive, or call on 01277 623519 for more information.

The lights, complete with 1,600 metres of new cable, are due to be switched on Monday December 7, in time for the annual Fun Night the following Wednesday.

And in an attempt to reduce maintenance problems that have beset the lights in recent years, Billericay firm Chantry Electrical Services has been appointed to look after them.

LIGHT RELIEF: Margaret and Trevor Stansfield hit the High Street to raise funds for the Christmas lights appeal.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.