MP hits out over Christmas light snub

He was speaking as the town prepares to celebrate the switch-on with the biggest display for years .

Mr Barker congratulated Bexhill businesses which have contributed nearly 20,000 to the Observer-backed appeal.

But he said he is disappointed by the poor response from multiple firms. Only eight out of 23 multiples he approached have contributed.

He says the remainder have ignored the letters he sent their bosses in support of the Making Bexhill Brighter appeal by Bexhill Regeneration Partnership's town centre and tourism action group.

Mr Barker said: "The reaction from local independent traders in Bexhill has been fantastic. Furthermore, a number of individuals have given very generously to ensure that the project will be a huge success.

"True Bexhillians are digging deep into their pockets to make their town a better place. Thanks to their support we will have a town centre to be proud of this Christmas.

"However, local traders should not have to shoulder the whole financial burden.

"I am extremely disappointed by the response from the bigger high street store chains in Bexhill, who with a couple of notable exceptions have contributed very little to the appeal. It is high time that these big businesses who get so much out of our community started to put something back."

The Friday, November 29 switch-on in Devonshire Road will be one of the biggest events in the area over the Christmas period, says Brian Storkey of the town centre and tourism action group team which has masterminded the appeal.

"The new Bexhill town centre Christmas illuminations will be amazing, brought to Bexhill by the firm that lit the Eiffel Tower for the Millennium. The town centre will be lit like never before!

"To celebrate this fantastic event, Bexhill Chamber of Commerce have arranged a switch-on ceremony with entertainment and late-night shopping on November 29.

"Devonshire Road will be closed to traffic from 4pm and a stage will be erected in Devonshire Road.

"Switch-on time by breakfast time Southern FM duo Danny and Nicki will be at 6pm.

"Together with Moody and the Hit Squad, they will entertain the crowds for two hours.

"This will be one of the largest events in the area over the Christmas period. A large attendance of people, of all ages, is expected.

MP Gregory Barker wrote to the bosses of the following multiples, asking for contributions to the appeal:

Abbey National, Barclays, Boots, Cooperative Retail Society, Courts

Friday Ad, Halifax, Hinds, Gamleys, HSBC, Ladbrokes, Lloyds TSB, NatWest

New Look, QS, Sainsbury, Somerfield, Threshers, Tote, Unwins, WH Smiths, Woolwich, Woolworth.

When the Observer closed for press the town centre and tourism action group said that donations have been received from: Abbey National, Barclays Bank, Boots, Cooperative Retail Society, Friday Ad, Gamleys, HSBC and Nationwide.

r THIS week's total is 18,885.

New donations this week include: Brian Hazell and Co of Marina and Sackville Road Methodist Church.