David Ruffley MP has today written to the Chief Executive of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Geoff Rivers, and the Town Clerk of Bury St Edmunds Town Council, John Saunders, asking for their reassurance that the two authorities will continue their funding of Christmas lights in Bury St Edmunds in 2009.

In 2008 Bury St Edmunds Town Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council donated £15,000 and £10,000 respectively to the project.

Earlier this year the town's Christmas lights display was on the brink of being sold until David convened a special meeting at which responsibility was delegated to a new committee of interested parties.

David said:

'It may seem a little early to be talking about Christmas 2009 but this year's Christmas lights display has been the finest in recent memory and I am keen to see our Councils guarantee their investment as they go through the budget setting process.

'At a time of economic gloom Bury St Edmunds' fantastic display has lit up the town and brought more trade to retailers. This is in no small part down to the excellent work of the Town Centre Manager, Steve Peters, and his committee. I have, therefore, today written to the Chief Executive of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Geoff Rivers, and the Bury St Edmunds Town Clerk, John Saunders, asking for their reassurance that funding levels will be maintained in 2009.

'There are increasing budgetary pressures on local councils, however, now that we have saved Bury St Edmunds' Christmas lights, I am determined that our town's display is here to stay and they will not fall victim to cost cutting measures.'