Cost-cutting scheme welcomed by traders.

A JOINT exercise to light up Honiton with a difference this Christmas has received an enthusiastic welcome from traders in the town.

Instead of spending �10,000 of council taxpayers’ money on lamppost decorations, Honiton Town Council and Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry are instead to spend a lesser amount – on almost 100 Christmas trees.

They will be placed in flag holders above business premises and individually lit.

Colin Wright, the chamber’s chairman, told a meeting last week: “The Christmas tree idea has gone down very well.

“Everybody I have approached, so far, has said yes.

“However, I am concerned about the west end of the town, where there are not many brackets.”

The chamber could offer free brackets to businesses without them.

Chamber committee member Pat Perryman made the suggestion, saying: “Once they are up, they are up.”

Mr Wright was due to view sample trees and lights at the end of last week.

Although not guaranteed, the chamber is to investigate negotiating a deal so lights on the town’s main Christmas tree, outside St Paul’s Church, are coloured ones this year - following a request from a trader.