Lights staying in town for two years

Walsall's famous Iluminations will be in Bridgnorth for the next two years, it has been revealed. The town had its own mini-illuminations for the first time last year in the grounds of Bridgnorth Castle, borrowing some of Walsall's lights.

Bridgnorth Town Centre Management Partnership agreed with Walsall Council to use lights until 2011. Admission will be little more than £1. Walsall Illuminations used to cost up to £6 for adults. Bridgnorth will also get its own lights for a bigger show from December 9-12.

Walsall Illuminations, in the 50s and 60s, used borrowed lights from Blackpool before the town got its own.

Partnership financial manager Iain Seivewright said: "We got more than 3,300 people through the gate in December so there are obviously still people who want to see the lights.

"I think our turnout maybe has something to do with the fact that we charged £1 last year compared to Walsall's higher charges and the fact a lot of the children from this area have never seen Walsall Illuminations.

"We have not been offered the chance to buy them yet. If we were we would have to review that. It would be nice to think Bridgnorth could become famous for its illuminations."

A teamwill be set up to find a way for Walsall Illuminations to return after an angry backlash.

Walsall's leisure boss, Councillor Barry Sanders, told the Express & Star that there was "no likelihood of the old-style illuminations making a re-appearance".

But he said consultations will now take place with residents about what they want to see at the Arboretum after a £7.6 million refurbishment.

By Ben Lammas