THE letter in the Advertiser of December 5 suggesting that Andover Town Council should donate £22,000 to West Africa to help with the ebola crisis rather than fund the Christmas lights is an interesting one.

While I’m sure many residents have been moved by the pictures of the suffering that this dreadful disease causes, it is a matter for central Government to tackle.

The town council spends about £2,000 on the Christmas tree, with the remainder going towards the lights which are mounted along the High Street and Bridge Street.

Brand new lights were installed for Christmas in 2011. Prior to this they were the responsibility of Test Valley Borough Council. In 2012 the town council negotiated a three-year deal to get the best value for money.

Next year the new council will be able to look again at the contract. And, of course, as Cllr Hardstaff said in his letter, the town council meetings are open to the public so please do come and express your views directly.

The Christmas lights and the switchon event are both very important parts of the town’s seasonal festivities.

They are intended to help boost the attractiveness of the town centre and therefore increase business for the local traders.

Indeed, a recent article published in the Southern Daily Echo bemoaned the disappointing festive atmosphere there and even mentioned Andover in glowing terms, referring to the “thousands who descended on Andover to see the fireworks mark the start of the season.”

Cllr. David Drew Former Chairman of Andover Town Council