Tuam traders urged to contribute to Christmas lights and keep festive spirit alive

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN A DRAW highlighting the community's contribution to Tuam's extensive Christmas lighting display takes place tomorrow (Thursday). The Chamber of Commerce says there has been a good response to the raffle initiative, which aims to lessen the burden of the cost of the lights on traders while for the first time allowing members of the public to contribute also. [private] It's understood that there are just two years of payments remaining on the loan taken out to purchase the intricate lighting system some years ago, however the Chamber acknowledge that it is getting tougher for businesses to make their annual contribution. 'We are about €3,000 short of breaking even. We'd like to thank the businesses who have made their contribution already and appeal to those who haven't done so to pay something as soon as they can,' commented President of Tuam Chamber John Stapleton. He says the lights are as much for the public and shoppers as they are for the businesses. Individual businesses in Tuam are asked to make a €200 contribution towards funding the Christmas lights but this is likely to reduce once the loan is paid off as the only costs involved will be for maintenance and paying for the lights to be erected and taken down each year. 'These are very tough times and there are some businesses that aren't able to afford to pay the full €200 and have contributed lesser amounts. We are asking those who have yet to pay, to give at least something as it really all adds up,' stressed John Stapleton. Christmas trade over the past week was mostly positive according to shops and they are hoping for a further boost in the final few days. 'It might not be a festive frenzy but hopefully there will be a good buzz about the town towards the end of the week,' commented one shop owner. The Chamber's Christmas Raffle Draw will take place on Thursday at noon in Stapleton's Expert Electrical on the Galway Road. [/private]