BURNHAM could be distinctly lacking in festive cheer this year after the main investor in the Christmas lights switch-on event pulled out.

The town's chamber of trade splashed out £10,000 on the town centre launch party last November, but it says it cannot afford to do the same this year.

Former chamber chairman and current member Alex Turco said Sedgemoor District Council cut grants for the event to just £1,500 last year - despite Bridgwater being handed £44,000 as recently as 2007-08.

Current chamber chairman Geoff Shickle told town councillors at a meeting on Monday: “The show has been getting bigger and better every year and is entirely dependant on voluntary work, and financed by the chamber with some help from the town and district councils.

“We came away with just £1,500 from the grants committee at Sedgemoor last year which was a kick in the teeth and totally unfair.

“We realise the event is a real asset to the town in attracting visitors and trade but we also realise we can't continue any longer.”

Mr Shickle said he hoped the town council could take over the running of the event, with support from the chamber.

Town mayor Derick Cooper said the issue would be referred to the town council's finance committee.

A Sedgemoor District Council spokesman said: "We have written to all those who receive grants to tell them as part of budget cuts we have had to take £100,000 out of the grants budget."