HOPES of making Taunton town centre sparkle at Christmas received a huge boost this week.

Cllr Kelly Durdan set up a working group called Make Taunton Sparkle after the County Gazette reported last week that the lights scheme could be limited and said she has had a great response.

As we went to press, total donations had reached £5,000 and Cllr Durdan has received the green light for an official switch-on after the town’s daytime celebrations on Sunday, November 18.

She said: “Everything is in place for what promises to be a spectacular end to an already fun-packed family day.

“But money needs to be raised to fund the lights that would be needed to make Taunton sparkle and highlight what a beautiful town we live in.”

Cllr Durdan, who is working with Taunton Town Centre Company, said she needs to raise £20,000 for lighting to be proud of but admitted it could be tough in the difficult economic climate.

She added: “We have raised a lot so far and there are many other fundraising plans to help reach the target.

“If everyone reading this were to donate at least £1 the total would cover the cost of lights and more.

“There has been a fantastic response already, so let’s pull together as a community, raise spirits, the profile of the town and make it a magical place to be this Christmas.”

Any money left over from the cost of the lights will be used to make food parcels for the homeless and other charities.

The Make Taunton Sparkle team is collecting in Taunton town centre from now until the end of October and hopes businesses will put collection pots in their shops.

To get involved or donate, e-mail Kelly on cllr.k.durdan@googlemail.com