A COUNTY Durham town is to have Christmas lights for the first time in four years, after a council survey showed it to be a hot issue for residents.

Derwentside District Council decided to scrap the Christmas decorations four years ago, after arguments that the £8,000 cost was too much, and because of vandalism.

Now businesses in Consett have provided thousands of pounds in sponsorship to pay for lights.

The council took heed of one of its regular Citizen's Panel surveys, which showed big support for the return of the decorations.

As a result, the authority has gone into partnership with businesses, after observing the success of a similar scheme in Stanley, instigated last year by the town's chamber of trade.

As well as lights, there will be a number of other decorations, including a Christmas tree in the centre of Middle Street.

Leader of Derwentside council Alex Watson said he hoped the vandals would leave the decorations alone.

He said: "I think it will be fine. I remember us having appalling problems at Stanley bus station before the children made murals there.

"Because those murals came from the community it seems people are less likely to damage it now.

"These Christmas decorations have been saved because of the efforts of the community,, and hopefully there will be a similar response.

"It is important to Consett and Stanley town centres that we portray a friendly image, as the commercial sector needs as much help as possible to attract custom."

Mr Watson said that the council hoped to attract more sponsorship for next year's decorations.

A leading member of Consett Chamber of Trade, Billy Gowland, said: "This is long overdue, and should brighten the place up."

Sponsorship has come from Connect Electrical, Lamplas, Swinburne & Jackson, Explorer Group, AK Leisure, Knitsley Mill Trout Fisheries, McVickers Electricals Ltd, and the Licensed Victuallers Association.