TAUNTON traders, shoppers and children have received a pre-festive boost with the news that Taunton will have its Christmas lights after all.

The current total raised by the Make Taunton Sparkle team led by Cllr Kelly Durdan is about £17,000 - most of the way to their target of £25,000.

The cash will help decorate the streets in the town centre and organise a switch-on event on Sunday, November 23.

Organisers say there is still time to donate more money for an even more spectacular showing.

There had been fears the county town would be left in the dark before some last minute fundraising pulled in more cash.

Kelly Durdan, who has spearheaded the appeal for money to Make Taunton Sparkle for three years since the now defunct Taunton Town Centre Company stopped funding the lights, was delighted.

“The lights and switch-on are going ahead after all,” said Ms Durdan.

"We may not have raised as much as we had hoped for but we still have enough to put on a display that we hope people will really enjoy.

“The switch-on day will be jam packed with exciting stalls, fairground rides and live music on the stage."

Donations were made by businesses, individuals, and the High Street market and a £10,000 grant from Taunton Deane Council.

Pat Mayhew, who organises the street markets and who is organising some of the entertainment on the switch-on day, said: “We’re pleased to help ensure Taunton has a fantastic Christmas.

“We’re also putting on a huge street party on switch-on day and a funfair in Coal Orchard car park from 10am to 10pm.”

You can still donate via www.maketauntonsparkle.co.uk or call Kelly Durdan on 07789-871856 or drop off a cheque payable to Taunton Sparkle at Deane House, Taunton.

Cllr Simon Coles, leader of the LibDems at Deane House, criticised the council for finding around £5million for a new swimming pool to be built at Blackbrook Pavilion, while not being able to put up “an extra £15,000” for the lights without having to beg for donations.

Ian Timms, assistant director of business development at Taunton Deane Council, said: “We’re very happy to support the event and glad to see that Taunton won’t be in the dark.”