Christmas lights in Castletown 'more promising' after young people step in to help out
THE position regarding Christmas lights in Castletown is "looking a lot more promising now," according to local community councillor, Colin Hossack.
He said a number of young people had shown some festive spirit and agreed to help out with the lights which are put up all over the village at Christmas.
Last month, Mr Hossack warned Castletown could have fewer Christmas lights this year unless more people got involved.
He explained that 43 of the 83 lights are not working and said it would take "a monumental amount of work to get them going again if nobody steps in to help."
Mr Hossack said the lights are getting older every year and more and more of them need repaired. What is needed, he said, is for some young people to step in to assist the committee, some of whom had served on it since 2000.
The committee is trying to get funding for 2022 but does need to get more people involved, he stressed.
At the most recent virtual community council meeting, Mr Hossack had positive news to report. He said: "Four or five young guys stepped up so things are looking a lot more promising now."
Community support co-ordinator, Andrea Wotherspoon, who was at the meeting, said she could look at some funding possibilities for the lights. It was also suggested that the committee should talk to the Caithness Voluntary Group.
Earlier, Ms Wotherspoon outlined her role and what it involves. She was appointed in August and will be in post for a year.
Her work includes developing local relationships and networks with community bodies, encouraging participation and involvement, with an emphasis on addressing poverty and recovery and supporting mental health and well-being.
