An appeal has gone out to Keighley traders to put the sparkle back into the town's Christmas lights.

The plea comes after the Town Centre Management Group secured additional funding which will almost double the money it receives from Bradford council from £7,200 to £14,000.

Town centre chairman Cllr Barry Thorne, who presented Keighley's case to Bradford council's transportation, planning and highways committee, is looking for businesses to come forward and sponsor some of the new lighting displays. He says that even though this year's lights will be bigger and better than ever traders still need to dip their hands in their pockets.

He also says that even though the money has increased there will still be a shortfall of around £5,000.

"There will be a lot of new lighting features around the town and I hope shopkeepers will contribute to the cost," he says. "We are particularly looking for a sponsor for the new lights and features which will decorate the trees around town hall square. Shopkee-pers will benefit in the long run because the better lights will make the town more attractive to shoppers."

Cllr Thorne's calls are backed by Airedale Centre manager Mike Millbank who says it is 'splendid news' for the town. "It is bound to attract more people," he says.

David Petyt, of David Petyt Menswear in Hanover Street, says he hopes traders will contribute. "Even with the Bradford council money we still need traders to contribute to the funds."

Any business interested in sponsoring any of the town's Christmas light displays should ring town centre manager Sandra Parnham on 618085.

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