The gloomy forecast emerged at last week's Knutsford Town Council meeting following the break-up of the town's Chamber of Trade.

"I think the town council would be rightly criticised if we didn't make some attempt to save the Christmas lights," town mayor Bert Grange told fellow councillors at last week's meeting.

"This is a very serious matter for the town and something we need to address."

Every year the Chamber of Trade - which was disbanded through lack of interest - assumed responsibility for the town's illuminations.

A new group, Knutsford Business Enterprise, has since been formed, but yesterday (Tuesday) its chairman Alec Guthrie said the Christmas lights were not at the top of their agenda.

"The new body is not associated with the chamber," he said. "We are geared towards promoting the town.

"However if we were asked to become involved with the Christmas lights we would give it some consideration."

Last week town councillors agreed to discuss the future of the lights at another meeting.

"Unfortunately an electrician has told me the equipment is in a terrible state with many of the lights faulty," said Clr Grange.

"I'm not suggesting we pick up the tab, but I think we have to take this under our wing."

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