Braintree town centre could be left in the dark this Christmas unless money can be raised to put up lights.

Traders and community leaders are calling for town businesses to support the Christmas light display now, to prevent a pathetic effort.

Braintree Council tourism manager Sharon Fouracres said: "Christmas lights are very important because they lighten up a grey time of year. They are vital to attracting traders and shoppers into Braintree."

There are reserves of lights, which are increased each year. But the real cost is putting them up and taking them down.

Mrs Fouracres said: "There has never been a permanent solution and it ends up being a headache for everybody every year."

The Town Centre Traders' Association is looking at how to increase support and £2,000 has already been pledged from the council.

John Jemison, chairman of the Town Centre Traders' Association, said: "Needless to say there remains a tremendous shortfall but there are many possible sources of funding still to be approached."

More money is required for a full set of lights. Last year £3,500 was raised, not enough for a full display.

Mrs Fouracres said last year the lights they were able to afford to put up were not the impressive display she had hoped for.

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