A LAST-DITCH attempt has been made to save traditional Christmas lights installed across York's streets.

The new offer has been made by York Business Pride, which has said it has cash available from private sponsors to put towards the scheme.

But some of the traders say the offer has come too late.

York Business Pride is asking businesses to make applications for Christmas lights for individual streets. If they are approved, the group will fund up to 50 per cent of the cost.

York Business Pride's chairman, Adam Sinclair, pictured above right, said: "We will have a sum of money available and we will be delighted to support the individual streets to light up our city for Christmas.

"We will do some partner funding, if we get credible proposals. Our board has taken the view that match funding on Christmas lights would improve York at street level."

The group stepped in after City of York Council confirmed in March it would not be able to continue supporting traditional illuminations festooned across streets.

But two trader groups in York have told The Press they will not be taking advantage of the new offer - and their streets will still remain dark over Christmas.

David Cox, chairman of the Fossgate Traders' Association, said the problem of storing the lights - which will also no longer be done by the council - made it very difficult for the street to come up with its own scheme.

He said: "None of the businesses in Fossgate have enough room for storing Christmas lights. If we can't raise enough money to keep the lights after Christmas, then it's not worth even attempting. I can't see many people taking up the offer, if any. There'll be no Christmas lights in Fossgate."

Frank Wood, chairman of York's Christmas lights committee and treasurer of Goodramgate traders, said: "I'm very pleased they made the offer - I think it's brilliant that someone is supporting the lights in York."

But he pointed out: "It's too late. We're at the end of September - they go up at the end of October."

Mr Sinclair said York Business Pride's board had only approved the funding at its September board meeting - and the previous one had been in the spring.

York Business Pride is asking for applications for Christmas lights for individual streets to include illustrations, full costs, means of delivery, evidence of at least half of the cost raised by the street in question, evidence of compliance with planning legislation, property owners' consent, and contact details for the person leading the project.

Applications should be made in writing to Sarah Crabtree, York Business Pride, Guildhall, York, YO1 9QN, or sarah.crabtree@york.gov.uk.