Help needed to keep Bognor sparkling

The volunteers at Bognor Regis Seafront Lights are without a corporate sponsor for the first time in many years.

The gap in their backing has arisen just as high electricity costs and the recession have combined to hit their finances.

The group is going ahead with its plans to install five low energy lighting displays along the eastern promenade.

But the cost of the LED multi-coloured bulbs '“ at more than 1,000 each '“ means it has no spare cash for other projects.

The tailor-made features in the shape of an umbrella stand will be installed between West Street and Gloucester Road in a project spread over two years to lessen the financial burden.

Their arrival will mean the end of the kite-shaped displays but no other new illuminations will be arriving this year among the more than 100 decorations between Hotham Park and West Park.

The 17 decorative lights on the lampposts on the northern side of The Esplanade between the pier and Gloucester Road will also be missing this year to cut costs.

Lights deputy chairman Greg Burt said a big-hearted company was being sought to help out with some financial backing towards the 30,000-plus it costs to keep the lights on.

Such a large amount, even if for only one year, made a difference to the finances on top of the regular fundraising events which the group staged. A recent jumble sale raised 197.

Previous sponsors have included Seeboard, Matthews Hanton and developer Roffey Homes. "We appreciate in the current situation that getting sponsorship is hard work.

"But it is a great opportunity for a company to support a very local and high profile cause which everyone gets to see and enjoy, including our many thousands of visitors."

Bognor Regis Town Council is providing 12,150 towards the lights this year. An appeal to businesses, along with an adopt a light bulb scheme, generates another 2,000 or so.

The seafront decorations will come to life again on Saturday, April 4 during the Big Switch-on Weekend.

The ceremony will take place at 9pm in front of the Royal Hotel. A Stars War Storm Trooper will ensure some military precision on the occasion with a fireworks display to follow.

Coles Amusements will host a beach funfair all weekend.

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