TRADERS' dreams of upgrading Ringwood's Christmas lights and brightening up the town for festive shoppers dimmed when Hampshire County Council refused its cash bid.

Ringwood's Chamber of Trade and Commerce plans to spend £23,000 revamping the town's ten-year-old collection of jaded lights in a bid to reinvigorate the town centre and attract more trade.

It has more than £6,000 already and hoped to receive a grant from the county council to boost its funds.

But in a report presented to the county council's policy and resources committee last week officers suggested a large grant might not be appropriate considering the number of chamber of commerce groups in Hampshire.

Chairman of Ringwood's Chamber of Trade and Commerce cllr Nicki Wood said: "We're disappointed, but not very surprised," she said. "I don't think many councils support this sort of thing any more."

Despite the setback the group has vowed to continue with the venture and this year will splash its cash on 1,000 new T-lights to decorate the town's Christmas Tree in the Market Place. It also plans to buy 350 metres of special wire with lights attached to make the High Street more attractive.

The chairman said the chamber of commerce is eager to raise the profile of the town in the run-up to Christmas and plans to increase late night shopping from one to four nights this year.

She added that the group will also continue fund-raising to pay for the overhaul, but admitted it could take several years to complete.

If people would like to contribute towards the costs of the lights they can donate cash into special charity boxes available in most shops in Ringwood town centre.

First published: October 1