FATHER CHRISTMAS could be out of work this year.

Unless fresh funding is found, there will not be any lights for him to turn on in Town. Organiser Festive Decor needs £60,000 to test, repair, maintain and put up the existing display as well as purchasing new lights for currently unlit areas.

The charity which co-ordinates the fund-raising for the illuminations is calling on islanders to ensure the streets sparkle this Christmas.

‘Back in 2000, we ran a campaign and the generosity of the public, Town traders and other local businesses meant that Festive Decor was able to purchase the amazing lights you see today,’ said chairwoman Martine Ellis.

‘Unfortunately, following major maintenance last year our reserves were thoroughly depleted and, at the moment, there is simply no way we can afford to get the lights up this year, let alone furnish parts of Town that are currently without.’

A website has been set up to encourage individuals and businesses to donate.

Guernseychristmaslights.com allows a standing order to be set up, making donors a Friend of the Lights.

They will be listed on the website and have regular e-updates. Businesses will also receive a certificate to display. One-off donations can also be made through the website.

‘We needed some sort of platform for fund-raising. Having a website is brilliant,’ said Mrs Ellis.

‘There’s also so much information about the history of the lights and the Young Business Group. With so much information, putting it on a website is a way to get it all across. It’s also sponsored by ALS Productions, which means we aren’t spending money before we are raising it.’

Mrs Ellis’s husband Simon is vice-chairman of the charity.

‘The £60,000.00 will enable us to test the lights and perform necessary maintenance,’ he said. ‘It also means we can start planning to illuminate Mill Street, the Markets and Fountain Street next year – something that has been long overdue.’