Year Santa forgot Thompson Square

Four organisations applied for assistance totalling $22,640 for Christmas lights and decorations this year, of which the council will provide $8000.

The recommendation – delivered at last week’s meeting – gives Windsor Business Group (WBG), Kurrajong Community Forum and Hawkesbury City Chamber of Commerce $1500 each while Richmond Mainstream Inc will receive $3000.

WBG president Di Sherrington said the group was disappointed not to receive the full $5000 requested, and would use the funding towards supplementing existing lighting stock for the Thompson Square tree.

“We’re looking at getting extra rope lights to put in the tree that match the existing ones that the council already has there, so both sides and all around will be decorated this year,’’ she said.

Secretary Gae Kelly said they would fund the $3500 shortfall.

“We do our own fund-raising to promote tourism in the area and the lights are the perfect tourism attraction,’’ Ms Kelly said.

‘‘We see that tree as one of the major focuses of Windsor because it’s at the gateway – it’s the first thing you see when you’re coming in that side so it’s got to be perfect to light up that end of town.

‘‘So we decided if we don’t get all of it we’ll subsidise.

“Council will provide the cherry-picker to string up the lights and we’re very grateful to them for that. It will save us a lot of money.

"The tree will look great this year.”