Town could have enough to buy own festive display

Sidmouth Herald: Acorn Property is set to build 41 homes on Ottery's former derelict factory siteAcorn Property is set to build 41 homes on Ottery's former derelict factory site (Image: Archant)

A developer has donated £500 to Ottery’s Christmas lights fund - meaning the town could have enough to invest in its own display.

The chamber of commerce launched an appeal in the Herald, asking for help to cover a shortfall in funding, or warned the annual spectacle would have to be ‘dramatically reduced’. This resulted in a £1,000 contribution from county councillor Claire Wright and now Acorn Property has confirmed it will add £500. Mayor Glyn Dobson said the town council – which has previously shared the cost of renting Christmas lights with the chamber of commerce – can now look into buying the equipment on behalf of the community.

Acorn’s managing director, Robin Squire, said: “I read an article saying they had a lack of funding - we were really pleased to help.”

He confirmed work will start on building 41 homes on the town’s derelict factory site next month.