COUNCIL funding for Christmas lights is not covering what is needed and is a ‘constant struggle’ for local areas says a Troon Business spokesperson.

Earlier this year, South Ayrshire Council outlined a proposal that £60,000 would be available for Christmas lights funding but it was not made clear as to what exactly this funding would be for.

It has now emerged that the criteria for attaining any funding has been under strict regulations and will not help towards putting up or taking down the lights, the most expensive aspect.

Each application much not be used for installation or PAT testing costs and will solely be available for lighting that has previously been de-commissioned, deemed unsafe are too old. Installation costs of up to £100 per light are expected which outweighs any funding the council are opting to offer.

A spokesperson for troon Business Association stated: “It takes you all year to fundraise and to actually get anywhere and it’s been such a big job over the last 3 years that we have spent in the region of £18k to get it sorted.

“It is a constant struggle for communities to fund things for their towns these days. We know come January we will need a plan in place for next year.

“Even if we didn’t buy any new lights, we still need around £2000 to put the existing ones up.”

Applications were only recently sent out which restricts the time locals can order lights

The spokesperson added: “Lights had to be ordered months ago, not a week before switching on – no company will have any stock left now.”

“As its been announced so late there won’t be many towns that will meet the criteria for this year and have the chance of getting anything out of the fund.”