A RADIO personality could switch on Sidmouth s Christmas lights this year. Although town councillors were keeping tight-lipped about their identity, it is rumoured to be Judi Spiers who has links with the town as patron of Sidmouth Lifeboat.

A RADIO personality could switch on Sidmouth's Christmas lights this year.

Although town councillors were keeping tight-lipped about their identity, it is rumoured to be Judi Spiers who has links with the town as patron of Sidmouth Lifeboat.

Because last year's switch on was a low-key affair, the Local Business Working Party, made up of town councillors, accommodation providers and business people, agreed to move the event to a Saturday and make a day of it, possibly seeking road closures for the town centre.

Meeting on Monday, Sidmouth Town Council's vice-chairman, Councillor Peter Sullivan, told said Steve Holdup of Torbay Display explained the logistics of having 40 towns to light over a three-week period.

"None of the lights are switched on before Remembrance Day but he has to put them up," said Mr Sullivan.

He said a Saturday would enable a day of activities to be organised and let youth groups, such as Brownies and Guides get involved, as well as allow working parents to be there.

Councillor Graham Liverton was unhappy at a decision made to switch on the lights on November 14 and thought this should be changed to the following week.

"I thought it would be later than that," he said. "I think it is a little bit too early, I would like to see if they could re-consider and move it to November 21."

Then, he thought, the lights could be put up after Remembrance Day.

Councillor Ann Liverton thought the council should support the wishes of local businesses during a difficult recession and keep the date decided.

"We should try it and see what happens," she said, adding: "People died to give us freedom to celebrate with Christmas lights."

It was agreed, by 12 votes to three, to keep the switch on to November 14.