THE Christmas Grinches at Bathurst Regional Council have been asked to open the purse strings and share some festive cheer in the 2017-18 budget.
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Council came under fire last month after a lack of Christmas decorations in the CBD left the city lacking any yuletide atmosphere and lagging well behind cities such as Orange and Dubbo.
But as councillors begin their planning for the 1027-18 management plan, Bathurst Business Chamber president Stacey Whittaker says they must learn from that mistake.
Mrs Whittaker said it was “a must” that council find the money to fund some Christmas decorations to provide a seasonal boost for local shoppers and retailers.
“If they can always find money for anything to do with motor racing and can put up street banners and posters for all sorts of events throughout the year, then why can’t we have some money for Christmas as well?” Mrs Whittaker said.
“We have these beautiful lamp standards in the CBD and they would be perfect for decorations.”
Mrs Whittaker said she recalled seeing zig-zagging lights and festive banners down William Street in years gone by and would like to see a return to those days.
She said Christmas decorations co-ordinated by council would provide a real lift to the local shopping centre.
“The shopping centres put up their own decorations and businesses can decorate their stores, but it really has to be up to council to look after the streets,” she said.
“I think the decorations would really encourage people to come into town – just look at how many people come into town for the winter festival.”
Mayor Gary Rush said it would be up to councillors to decide whether finding should be put aside for festive decorations once planning for the budget gets under way soon.
However, he conceded there was a strong community push for council to do more to celebrate Christmas.
“I could well imagine that there will be councillors who raise that issue because a number of councillors have already expressed their desire to enhance our Christmas offering,” he said.
“I think it has always been our endeavour to support local events and celebrations. We have delivered on many fronts but a number of people have expressed to me that we could do better at Christmas.
“I look forward to further discussions throughout the budget process.”
Mrs Whittaker said the issue of Christmas decorations in the CBD had been raised by a number of chamber members following the disappointment of last year’s effort.
