It is quite ridiculous for Chris Rutter of the Shirley Business Association to suggest that the council could be spending "10s of millions" (Guardian, September 1) on Christmas lights in the town centre this year.

In fact the council won't be spending a penny on what is an entirely commercial proposition wholly funded by the town centre traders the people who have most to gain from the seasonal lighting.

If the lights are to ripple out through district centres then it is not unreasonable for Mr Rutter and his business colleagues to underwrite the cost and not expect the bill to be picked up by taxpayers.

If they don't then I am afraid they will have to forego the display.

As I have said previously, we all agree that the annual lights are very nice but they are hardly essential.

If Mr Rutter and his colleagues want Christmas lights then they will have to find a way of paying for them.

A contribution of £110 when the lights play such a role in attracting customers and boosting turnover, is hardly an excessive levy.

And if they don't pay up, then the absence of Christmas lights will hardly bring widespread hardship.

The council has many demands on our limited funds and festive lighting is not among the most deserving cause.

CLLr Gerry Ryan Cabinet Member for Streets and Environmental Services