My business rates are �23,000 a year. My water rates are �15,000 and I don't even have a toilet. How can they expect any more?

Paul Carpenter, newsagent

Councillor Roy Lewis said he was "rather disgusted" by the �87,000 figure and hoped for healthier contributions to this year's extravaganza.

"Illuminations manager Richard Ryan and his staff have been working their socks off in response to suggestions from the holiday trade," he said.

"With new technology and sound, we have dinosaurs that roar, prehistoric animals that play music and pink pigs that sing, as well as search lights with special effects.

"All this is on top of all the other displays that are constantly being updated.

"It extends the holiday season deep into the winter months."

Council letters

But Paul Carpenter, whose newsagent business is beneath Blackpool Tower, said he was offended by the letters from the council asking for financial help.

"My business rates are �23,000 a year. My water rates are �15,000 and I don't even have a toilet.

"How can they expect anymore?"

Graham Scott, who owns several shops on the promenade, said the high rents swallowed up any profits made visitors to the lights.

"If I had my seasonal shops in Brighton, Scarborough or Skegness, my rents would be low at the end of the season.

"But because of the extended season, the council charge twice as much here."

BBC Radio 2 is broadcasting live from the illuminations switch-on on 31 August.