IT’S the £70,000 challenge that could see Christmas lights sparkling in Southampton city centre once more.

Southampton’s council leader has thrown down the gauntlet to business leaders to make sure the city rediscovers its festive spirit in 2015.

Simon Letts says he will sideline the money for 2015 – and it will either cover the cost of a free parking initiative in the run up to Christmas or be spent on a tree and festive lights.

But he has told the Daily Echo that he will only part with the cash if city centre businesses match the funding – and he’s challenged them to meet him pound-for-pound.

As reported this week, this year the city centre’s Christmas spirit was only rescued after a host of organisations answered the Daily Echo’s rallying call to get a tree for the city.

And after an incredible effort from businesses and organisations giving both time and money for free, it became a |reality.

Funnyman Brian Conley, currently in The Mayflower’s panto Cinderella, switched on the lights on Thursday night to the delight of residents who turned out to celebrate.

But with just days to go until Christmas Day, thoughts are already turning to how the city can improve on its offering for 2015.

Labour boss Cllr Letts said the council took a hit of about £70,000 this year in introducing free parking for 12 afternoons in the run-up to Christmas to boost city centre retailers.

And he says that money will be on the table next year, either for more free parking or to go towards seasonal improvements including Christmas lights – but only if it is matched by the business community.

He said: “We will put some resource in – but we can’t pay for it all. We’ll put £70,000 in next year providing the private sector matches that pound for pound.

“The council doesn’t have vast resources at the moment and the financial benefits will come to the city retailers so I think it’s only fair.

“We need to work together collectively to make it a more Christmassy affair than this year and maybe to reintroduce lights into the city centre.

“We’ve got an opportunity to do something different next year, with the current market lease running out.”

Simon Rhodes, chairman of Future Southampton, a new organisation set up to promote the city, said: “Southampton city centre needs a really strong Christmas 2015 in terms of a tree, lights and all of the trimmings because that’s clearly what the city wants.

“It’s up to all of the key stakeholders in the city centre, such as the council and businesses, to deliver it and contribute.

“Now it’s about putting it together and showing some ambition.”