Bloxwich Christmas lights saved as £5,000 raised
Christmas lights have been saved in Bloxwich after a £5,000 fundraising campaign was launched to fix broken equipment.
A fortnight ago it was announced that this year's switch-on in the town was under threat.
It comes after the lights were heavily damaged during severe weather conditions last year.
As a result the Bloxwich Business Partnership launched a desperate appeal to raise £5,250 to fix the equipment.
Initially the campaign looked doomed with just £200 donated within the first few days.
But an anonymous donation of £5,000 along with contributions from 13 other people mean the target has now been exceeded.
Bloxwich councillors Shaun and Julie Fitzpatrick were also among those who contributed.
They said: "The lights always make Bloxwich look magical at Christmas and are enjoyed by many."
New equipment has now been ordered and is on the way.
At the moment a date for the switch-on has yet to be confirmed.
Bloxwich town centre manager Nikki Rolls said: "Firstly thank you so much to you the supporters of this project.
"We are now able to complete the much needed essential repairs and replacements to switch on our beloved and beautiful lights.
"The lighting string and transformers have been ordered and will be on the way to the electrician to allow them to install them as soon as they have been received.
"We did it with your help - a huge thankyou."
As a reward for everyone who supported the campaign in the town once the lights are turned on they will stay on until March.
In 2012 the traders had clubbed together to purchase the equipment after Walsall Council announced it was unable to pay for them anymore.
The decorations include 14 trees located along Bloxwich High Street, next to the war memorial, All Saints churchyard, Bloxwich Park, and Promenade Gardens.
It is not the first time bad weather has wreaked havoc to Christmas celebrations in Walsall.
Last year 40mph winds prompted the main switch-on event in the town centre to be cancelled at late notice.
The council declared there was a public safety risk due to the exposed nature of The Bridge location where a three-hour programme of entertainment had been scheduled.
