COUNCIL scrooges have put a dampener on seasonal celebrations in Newton after they refused to shell out for Christmas lights in Market Street.

But Santa Claus will still be coming to town after Newton's very own Mother Christmas stepped in to save the day.

Pat Collier, the driving force behind Christmas in the town, has collected donations from all three residents' and tenants' associations plus local traders to make sure Christmas isn't cancelled.

St Helens Council humbugs say there just isn't enough cash in the budget to pay for Earlestown decorations, the only other town centre in the borough, apart from St Helens itself.

Pat said: "I've always thought that the council matched funding, that if we had £600 they would contribute the same but not to worry, we've managed to get enough money together to do a tree and light it. We have £600, which has come from the residents' associations and the Wind In the Willows nursery, which is enough to do that and put barriers and security up to protect it.

Funding

"I love Christmas and always have done and I love Earlestown. It's a wonderful sight to see the faces of the children as they gather round the tree. That's the ultimate reward for me."

But a spokesman for St Helens council said: "We explained last year there would be no money in the budget for Earlestown next Christmas. While we appreciate this is not what Newton wants to hear it has to be targeted towards those areas of most importance like education and social needs. What small funding is available is being centred on St Helens as the main day and night retail area in the borough, which is helped by contributions from the private sector.

"St Helens council receive a lot less funding than neighbouring councils and unfortunately an attraction like Christmas lights has to come way down the list when you are providing life or death services."

Newton East Clr Suzanne Knight, said: "We're not asking a lot here, it's not a lot of money, but the point is it doesn't matter where it comes from. The thing that sticks in everyone's throats is that Earlestown is the only other designated town centre and the market brings a lot of visitors from out of town. All we are asking is that the council puts a bit of money towards what everyone else has given, that would be a real partnership."

But just 15 minutes away in Warrington, the council annually contribute £50,000 to decorations and festivities in the town.