TRADERS have given up hope of a Pendle shopping centre being decorated with Christmas lights this year.

Coun Eileen Ansar said traders had pushed bosses at Pendle Rise, in Nelson, to put up lights, but that it looked almost certain not to happen.

Traders faced a similar battle last year when bosses at the centre eventually relented and put lights up in December, after initially telling shopkeepers that if they wanted them to be hung outside their premises, they would have to foot the electricity bills themselves.

Coun Ansar, who runs Slick Clothing in the town centre, said: “We have pushed and pushed for Christmas lights but it doesn’t look like happening.

“We are all so disappointed but don’t want it to put people off shopping in the centre.

"We need the support of local people and we need them to make use of their local shopping centre.”

Coun Ansar also confirmed that Santa’s grotto was set to go up in the market hall in town, after the town council helped with funding.