The council has been asked for �5,000 towards the lights

Carrick District Council was asked to donate �5,000 towards festive lighting in Truro.

But the council said it must protect its budgets on behalf of council tax payers.

It says traders, who benefit most from the lights, should meet the cost.

Truro Chamber of Commerce is calling for a special fund to be set up, with regular contributions from civic, commercial and public interests.

'Major attraction'

Simon Hendra, of the Chamber, said: "This is the capital of Cornwall and all that is being asked for is about �5,000 which would be proceeds from car parking on late-night shopping.

"As a major tourist attraction, I don't think that's a lot to ask for."

Councillor Ros Cox said more Truro traders should contribute towards the Christmas lights.

She said: "We have got to decide what we will do and what we can't do and I'm afraid that this is one of the things that we feel the retailers themselves should do, rather than the ratepayers."