David Ruffley MP has today released the results of a survey he has been conducting on his website www.tellDavidRuffley.com on the future of the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights.

So far over 150 people have completed the survey and some of the key statistics are as follows:

• 94 percent of people think the town should display Christmas lights

• 87 percent of people believe not having Christmas lights would damage trade in the town

• 62 percent of people believe businesses and traders should contribute more towards the running costs of the lights

• Only 10 percent of people think the Town Council should be responsible for the 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.

'My survey quite clearly reveals that not only do the Christmas lights play a vital part in trade in the town but also that the people of Bury St Edmunds do not trust the Town Council on this important issue.'

'Only 10 percent of people think that the lights should be the responsibility of the Town Council while over half of people think the lights should be run by a committee comprising all the interested parties in the town.

'Therefore, with this in mind, I will be calling a summit meeting early in the New Year at which all the major players in our town will meet and discuss the future of the lights.

'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 and I will be seeking assurances that their future is safe.

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