Whingers in Wickford must put their hands in their pockets - or put up with the same poor Christmas lights next year.

That was today's blunt message from the lights' organisers in response to complaints about the quality of this year's display.

Lights cost money - money the organisers simply didn't have this year. That is down to a lack of donations from the community.

Even house to house collections only managed to raise £292 compared to last year's £1,000.

Gloria Bruce, chairman of the town's Christmas Lights Association said contributions from residents and businesses in recent years have dwindled.

Each year a little more of the sparkle disappears from the display because there is no cash to improve or replace the lights.

She said: "People are whinging and moaning but they should be grateful for what they have got.

"It's not like we have just sat back - we have worked our socks off but people just won't help out.

"They run down what the committee has done but won't put their hands in their pockets. Without money for next year we won't be able to replace them."

The lights cost £2,000 to put up and take down each year, with a further £105 spent on insurance.

In previous years the money has come from business sponsorship and house-to-house collections.

But even that was hampered this year by constant rain and the fact that Mrs Bruce, a keen collector for the cause, slipped and broke her wrist while out gathering funds.

Mrs Bruce said: "Only half of the shopkeepers have given money - and we're not asking for a lot - only £60 per shop.

"This year we simply didn't have enough cash until the Round Table volunteered a donation. But they're not going to bail us out every year."

Round Tablers announced last week that the group will fold early next year.

In the dark - are Wickford's Christmas lights a bit of a let-down?

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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