A FESTIVE Christmas lights tunnel could come to an iconic Weymouth attraction, under new plans to bring the 'wow factor' to the town.
A Christmas tunnel of lights has been proposed by staff at Nothe Fort in an attempt to draw visitors to the town during the festive shopping period inspired by a similar installation at the Shipwreck Museum in Cornwall.
At a meeting of the Weymouth Town Council's finance and governance committee on Tuesday, Mary-Anne Edwards, co-general manager at Nothe Fort, fielded questions from councillors about the proposed project, which will cost an estimated £32,040.
Mary-Anne appealed to the town council to pledge £2,000 of funding which was agreed - in a vote that saw eight councillors vote in favour and two abstain - on the condition that the rest of the money be donated by another funder.
At the meeting, Mary-Anne explained that the project would support local people as the lights would be provided by businesses in Weymouth and Crossways. She said: "I have received a quote for the project from the team at OT Event Technicians which is based in Crossways and I have also looked into using Weymouth lighting companies.
"I have found two Weymouth companies that would be able to contribute towards the project as well."
During the meeting, Councillor Graham Lambert raised concerns about the sustainability of the project and urged Mary-Anne to ensure the lights would use minimal energy.
Cllr Ryan Hope and Cllr Howard Legg shared a concern that the project might not be value for money, but both agreed that the £2,000 investment was worth seeing if an annual legacy could be built.
Mary-Anne said: "There will be a legacy with this as the first year will be small but we will build on it year on year. Nothe Fort is an iconic landmark and I think it would have a reach right across the South West. I'm confident nowhere else in Dorset or the surrounding areas will do something like this. It will have the wow factor."
Cllr David Northam summarised: "There is a risk with the project but it would be nice for Weymouth to try something different so I'm willing to give it a go this year, particularly with only a £2,000 commitment from the council."
A decision on whether Weymouth BID, trading as We Are Weymouth, will provide roughly £13,000 of funding for the project will take place at a meeting next Tuesday. The remaining money would be provided by Nothe Fort.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel