Businesses are being urged to dig deep to avoid another Christmas lights fiasco.

The Brighton City Centre Business Forum wants to raise £60,000 to create a spectacular display and wipe out memories of last year's debacle.

But despite pleas for support, only £6,000 has been raised this year. Now there are fears some parts of the city will be a light-free zone in December.

Businesses are usually called upon to raise some of the money to pay for the lights - with extra funds coming from Brighton and Hove City Council.

Last year's display, which cost £40,000, drew heavy criticism from traders for being too low-key and too short-lived. There were also problems with installations which almost turned to tragedy when a light display collapsed on top of shoppers in East Street.

Nevertheless, city centre manager Soozie Campbell said she had hoped for a better response from the business community.

She said: "We have put out our usual appeal for funds and, on assessing the first round of pledges, we are a long way short of our target."

Five companies are tendering for a contract to provide the lights but with no idea how much is going to be pledged, the forum is unable to start negotiations.

Ms Campbell said: "Christmas is the most important shopping period of the year. People are going to spend money. We need to make sure they spend it in Brighton. "

But, with retail growth at 3.7 per cent last year and trading conditions the toughest in four decades, some shopkeepers say they have better things to worry about.

Eric Danot, who runs Bonsai-Ko in Sydney Street, always contributes something to the fund but sympathised with those who were struggling to make ends meet.

He said: "We are always being asked for money, whether its to satisfy some new European legislation or to get your waste removed, and it never seems to have a direct impact on your business."

To contribute to the Christmas lights fund, contact Soozie Campbell on 01273 380040 or at soozie@mmp.co.uk

Friday July 09, 2004