I am writing in sorrow and disgust rather than anger, after reading about the Christmas lights committee and the reported comments of the chairman.

Marlborough traders, when the majority were local family firms, always supported both financially and practically. Chamber of Trade members, led by Jim Mundy and John Bower, were recruited or coerced into forming the Lighting Crew, many gave heroic service, especially the Fire Service, until quite recently when ‘elf and safety’ became law.

Now with the majority of shops and pubs nationally owned, with the exception of Waitrose and David Dudley, their only interest seems to be hoovering up the money from Marlborough without any scruples or community interest.

Unless the shortfall of funds is found or promised within the next two months, there will be no Christmas lights.

Is Ebenezer Scrooge still alive in Marlborough? I suggest all readers who use the local shops and pubs enquire if the company is contributing to the lights. If not, inform them, in no uncertain way, that they should contribute and their future custom depends on it.

By the way, householders contributions are welcome and as I am now retired, I shall be contributing.

Come on Marlborough, let’s get together on this. Looking forward to a bright Christmas.

Tony Gray, Ex-Duck’s Toy Shop, Russell Square, Marlborough.