FERRYHILL Town Council has launched a £15,000 fundraising appeal to replace its dilapidated Christmas lights.

Town council members were stunned to learn that this year's festive lights display was under threat because Durham County Council would not issue safety certificates for lampposts.

There are still hopes that the lampposts can be replaced in time for Christmas, but whatever the outcome, the ageing lights will still need replacing.

Jamie Corrigan, executive officer for Ferryhill Town Council, said: "The mayor's fund this year is for Christmas lights in Ferryhill.

"We are in negotiations with the county council to see if it would be at all possible to have new light columns in time to have the decorations up for this year.

"But the major problem is that the town council does not have the funds to pay for them at the moment."

He said: "Irrespective of what happens with the light columns, we still need to buy new decorations for next year.

"That will cost £15,000, which is a massive amount for us because it is five per cent of our budget"

Mr Corrigan urged Ferryhill people to rally to the cause and make it a community effort.

He said: "We are going to need a lot of support, especially from local business, because it is them who benefit from the decorations."

Fundraising efforts have already started, with Mayor Councillor Edith Whitfield running a tombola stall every Saturday.

Events will be continuing throughout the year.