David Ruffley MP has today announced that he will be calling a summit meeting in the New Year to discuss the future of the Christmas lights in Bury St Edmunds.

As it currently stands the lights are the responsibility of Bury St Edmunds Town Council. However, they have stated that 2007 is the last year in which they will take sole responsibility for running the lights and, unless someone comes forward to take over before 29 February 2008, the town's lights will be sold off to the highest bidder.

David Ruffley will be writing to St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, Bury St Edmunds Town Centre Management and Bury St Edmunds Chamber of Commerce asking that representatives attend a summit meeting early in the New Year to discuss the future of Christmas lights in the town.

David has also launched a survey at www.tellDavidRuffley.com asking members of the public their views on whether Bury St Edmunds should display Christmas lights.

David said:

'Time is running out. The Town Council has said it will no longer be solely responsible for the town's Christmas lights and, if nobody comes forward to take over before 29 February 2008, the lights will be sold off to the highest bidder.

'Bury St Edmunds must continue to have Christmas lights. We are the jewel in the crown of Suffolk. It is pathetic that nobody will step up take and take responsibility for keeping the lights on.

'The Town Council is farcical. It cannot be trusted on this important issue and I will be looking to St Edmundsbury Borough Council to take leadership and get this matter resolved. Bury St Edmunds must have Christmas lights next year- if we don't trade in the town, and our reputation regionally and nationally, could be damaged.

'This situation simply must not be allowed to continue. Traders and businesses are already struggling in a difficult economic climate and further uncertainty must be avoided.

'The Christmas lights and the switch-on ceremony bring valuable trade to the town. Therefore, in the interests of everybody living in Bury St Edmunds and the businesses based here, I will be calling a summit meeting early in the New Year at which all the interested parties will meet and discuss the future of the lights.

'It is my hope that after the meeting the future of Bury St Edmunds' Christmas lights will no longer be in doubt.

'I have also launched a survey at www.tellDavidRuffley.com asking members of the public for their views on the future of the Christmas lights in Bury St Edmunds.'