CAMPAIGNERS trying to get a historic landmark lit up in time for Christmas are hopeful their festive wishes will come true this year.

Barnard Castle residents, alongside the town council, have been pushing a project to light up the Market Cross, near the Market Place, for several years without success.

However, thanks to an £11,614 grant from the Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) earlier this year, plans to install permanent lights to four lampposts surrounding the landmark are now set to come to fruition.

At a recent town council meeting, councillors were told that the proposals, which include permanent LED lights, that would be able to change colour for different events throughout the year, should be able to be installed in plenty of time for the festive season.

Town clerk, Michael King, said the order for the lights, costing £7,727 in total, was placed with the county council last week and the work had been scheduled.

At the meeting, councillor Tom Deacon asked whether the lights would be installed by Christmas, with Councillor Roger Peat saying there was no reason they should not be as the work itself should only take four weeks.

“As agreed, Durham has the work scheduled for October and that’s been the basis we have been working on,” Mr King said.

“There will be partial road closures which might provide Durham with the opportunity to do repairs on the Market Cross but that’s all in Durham’s hands.”

He added: “The funding goes right back to TAP so everyone would like to see it get done by Christmas.”

TAP coordinator, Craig Morgan added: “The Butter Market is an iconic building in the Teesdale area and we need to make sure that we are making the most of the fantastic heritage we have.

“Teesdale Action Partnership is pleased to be working with Barnard Castle Town Council to provide a lighting scheme that enhances the building in a sympathetic way.

“I also like that the colour of the lighting can be changed to fit in with different events and seasons throughout the year.

“Enhancing the built environment is one of Teesdale Action Partnership priorities for the year and the members of the TAP Board thought that this project fitted well with what we are trying to achieve."

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “Barnard Castle Town Council agreed to commission and fund Christmas lights for the Market Cross.

“To help them achieve their aim of having the lights in place by Christmas we have offered to assist the town council in the purchase and installation of the lights.”