Published: Wednesday, 4th January, 2006 09:59
Lighting up Christmas appeal
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
Print Article
GALASHIELS businesses are pledging cash for the town’s Christmas lights appeal — but more support is needed urgently.
Galashiels Chamber of Commerce requires £7000 by March to ensure that the switch is flicked on next year’s festive display.
Last month, frustrated chamber member Phil Macari criticised shop owners for failing to support the scheme.
The local café owner warned that Galashiels faced a Christmas blackout in December 2006 if the majority of town businesses continued to ignore the appeal.
The donation pot stands at £4003, but Mr Macari is emphasising that this figure is a long way short of the target.
He said: “The response from the non-retail trade has been very positive, but we do need more support from the retail sector.
“So far we’ve had donations from 54 businesses, 14 of which are retailers.
“We still need a lot more.”
Mr Macari believes there are 350 businesses in and around the town.
Recently, a crowd of 3000 gathered in Bank Street to watch the spectacular switch-on ceremony for this season’s Christmas lights.
Mr Macari feels that Galaleans appreciate the festive decorations.
He said: “I’ve had nothing but positive responses.
“We want to do more.
“I’d like to see lights up in Island Street, but we can’t do that without money.
“It’s not just about buying lights.
“It’s about getting permission to drill holes in buildings to put them up, buying the bulbs and then getting the power to them.
“That’s an expensive business.”
Although he has been involved in organising the Christmas lights for 20 years, Mr Macari is not about to admit defeat.
He said: “I take a lot out of my town and I put a lot in.
“I don’t just bounce off and give up.
“Philip Macari is not a quitter.”
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