Getting Dartmouth to see the light could cost the town's council tax payers a whopping £23,000.

That is how much it could cost the town to put up new lights across the town centre – from Lower Street to the Market Square.

But before anything happens the town council wants to see if there is anyone out there prepared to help foot the bill – including the town's traders and the regatta, food and music festival organisers.

Town councillors have been looking at extending the current system of town lights to cover a much wider area of the town – with the aim of having the town centre lit up for the various Dartmouth festivals as well as for Christmas.

A report that went before town councillors revealed that the only company they could find to supply the lights, install and maintain them was asking for £22,758.

That would have involved lighting up:

l The tree close to Jillys Farm shop in the market square.

l The town Christmas tree in Royal Avenue Gardens.

l The three trees on the north side of the Boatfloat.

l All the shops along the Quay and Spithead.

l Both sides of Duke Street, Fairfax Street and Lower Street.

The report pointed out that the quote included the installations, a 24-hour call out service, maintenance and a four-hour emergency response.

The town council now wants a council working group to take another look at the project – especially the issues surrounding the possible need for planning permission.

They also want councillors to investigate sources of external funding for the lights.

The councillors heard that they only have £8,000 in their town lights budget – which would be enough to cover both sides of Duke Street, the Quay, Spithead, the Christmas tree and one tree next to the Boatfloat.

The report said: 'It is our intention to ask if we can attend the next Dartmouth Business Forum and ask for a contribution to be able to illuminate the other streets.

'We will also be contacting the music festival, food festival and regatta committees for some financial help as the lights will remain in place and be available for these important events.

'There is the possibility of sponsorship for the other two trees on the north side of the Boatfloat and this is being followed up.'

If that doesn't work out, the report said it would be possible to spread the cost over three years to include lighting up Fairfax Place and Lower Street.

At the moment the council funds lights at the Boatfloat, Guildhall, Old Market, Christmas trees at Royal Avenue Gardens, the market and Townstal.

For the full story see this week's Dartmouth Chronicle