FOLLOWING a fundraising push this weekend Christmas lights have today been installed in Radcliffe town centre - but more money is still needed.

The lights, which were purchased several years ago by funding from Bury Council, were the subject of wrangles after the authority said it could not afford to fund their installation.

In Bury the Christmas lights are funded by the Rock and the Mill Gate Centre and in Ramsbottom, Tottington, Prestwich and Whitefield traders pay for installation, which the council said would cost £3,250.

The lights have now been put up in advance of the money being received but following a fundraising drive organised by Radcliffe Carnival Committee, donations from traders and a £750 grant from the Radcliffe Township Forum, £930 is still needed.

Bury Council have paid for a Christmas tree for each of the six townships of the borough, with Radcliffe's located at the piazza.

Many people took to social media to voice their approval that Christmas cheer had come to the town, praising the fundraising efforts.

On Facebook page Spotted Radcliffe, Sharron Holding said: "Fantastic News, power to the people. Amazing how they said it couldn't be done before the people of Radcliffe made their voices heard, let's hope that from this is the start of a new era for Radcliffe."

On Twitter Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, who pledged a personal donation, said: "Thanks to Radcliffe Carnival Commitee for their great work in Radcliffe today collecting donations for Christmas lights."

Collection boxes for the Christmas lights appeal are located at the Railway Hotel, the Bridge Tavern, Radcliffe Flooring, Halifax, MadMix E-Liquids and Barclay’s Bank.

Donations for the lights can also be made via PayPal by sending money to radcliffecarnival@gmail.com with ‘Christmas lights’ as the subject.

Anyone interested in getting involved can email radcliffecarnival@gmail.com, go to facebook.com/radcliffecarnival or call Yasmin Ullah directly on 07778 159267.

Below: A flash mob was performed in Radcliffe by members of Freak Dance dance school to boost the fundraising efforts.