Christmas lights in five towns saved by sponsorship

The lights at the Rochester Christmas Market will not be impacted by the council's decision

Christmas lights will be installed in Medway towns this year, despite the council pulling the funding.

Medway Council said earlier that financial challenges meant it was unable to pay for the festive lights.

However, private companies have now come forward to cover the costs.

It followed a public appeal by the Rochester City Centre Forum, and a crowdfund which raised £13,000 in less than 24 hours.

Council Leader Vince Maple said: “I am incredibly heartened by the generous offer of all four companies.

"Their corporate support means it is now possible to have Christmas lights in all five town centres this year.

“Our decision to not use taxpayers’ money to fund Christmas lights and switch-on events saves the council £75,000."

The council initially said it had to make the "incredibly difficult decision" over the lights after a report in September predicted it faced bankruptcy.

Clare Tierney from Rochester City Centre Forum says Christmas lights are "absolutely essential"

The Rochester City Centre Forum appeal opened at 23:30 BST 13 October and had reached £13,000 by the following afternoon.

Clare Tierney from the forum said: "It's absolutely essential, and on a number of levels.

"Obviously from a commercial perspective the businesses really need Christmas to be successful.

She said it had been a "tough year" for businesses and families and there was "not a lot of good to look forward to".

"Christmas is one of the things that makes people smile, it's something to look forward to and the Christmas lights are an essential part of that," she added.