COUNCIL bosses in Blackburn with Darwen have put their money where their mouths are to support local businesses this Christmas.

Almost £20,000 has been spent on kick-starting the festivities in Blackburn and Darwen this year, up on previous year’s spending, and bucking the trend of cutbacks seen in other towns across the region.

And traders have praised the council for its efforts to bring Christmas cheer.

This is despite part of pedestrianised area in Blackburn town centre being dug up by National Grid.

The council has revealed it paid £12,000 to Darwen-based The Bee radio station to organise both Blackburn and Darwen Christmas light switch on events last month.

The money included fees for headline acts Chico and Simon Webbe as well as support entertainment.

There was an additional cost of £1,800 for security for the two events and more funds for fireworks.

The display in Blackburn cost £3,000 and £2,500 in Darwen.

The Darwen lights’ switch-on has previously had a budget of approximately £5,000 each year, with Blackburn’s slightly more.

Eileen Guy, chair of Darwen Shop and Business Association (DSBA), said: “They’ve really done us proud this year.

“The lights’ switch on was absolutely wonderful with Chico. He went down very well with everyone.

“All the business people in the town have been saying that the lights this year are a lot better too.”

David Cottam, chairman of Blackburn Chamber of Trade, said: “We really appreciate what the council has done.

"Anything that will bring more shoppers to Blackburn is always welcome.

“But there is still a lot more to be done. Digging up King William Street at this time of year beggars belief.”

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said the council was committed to supporting local traders.