RETAILERS have rallied round and saved Woodbridge town centre's Christmas lights.The traditional display of festive lights in the Thoroughfare was in danger of being abandoned this year when the chamber of commerce had difficulty in raising the £3,000 cost.

RETAILERS have rallied round and saved Woodbridge town centre's Christmas lights.

The traditional display of festive lights in the Thoroughfare was in danger of being abandoned this year when the chamber of commerce had difficulty in raising the £3,000 cost.

National stores were blamed for failing to support the lights and the chamber called off the Christmas Street Fayre when there were not enough volunteers to organise it.

But now shopkeepers have dug deep and rescued the lights. Woodbridge Community Council has pledged £500 and there have been donations totalling more than £1,500 from the shops.

Dominic Allen, of The Communications Centre, Thoroughfare, and Celeste Goschen, of august PAs, Gobbitts Yard, have been spearheading the drive to bring some festive cheer into the town and they are delighted with the show of support.

Mr Allen said: ''My personal view is that when it gets to 3.30pm at this time of the year the town looks gloomy and not having Christmas lights would affect retailers. At the festive season we should have lights up and as it is Christmas people want to enjoy themselves.''

Les Hattin, of the Georgian Coffee House, Thoroughfare, is one of those who have contributed to the emergency appeal. Mr Hattin said: ''We have such an attractive town and it is also quite a wealthy little town and it seemed such a pity we could not muster enough enthusiasm to have lights. Lights can only make it more attractive.

''I think it is important for all the traders and shops in Woodbridge and it makes a better atmosphere for people to shop in.''

The town centre was seen in a new light last Christmas when the old multi-coloured bulbs were all changed to white in the street lighting display and 4ft-high trees were placed outside some shops.