Improvement of the Christmas Lights in New Milton – Old Milton Christmas Stars. We have embarked on a programme of improvement of the previously very poor Christmas lights. The Town Council has increased the budget and we have been successful in getting sponsorship from businesses and community groups to improve the Christmas lights display to attract visitors into the town to shop in our excellent shops and to give residents pleasure and happiness during the festive season. We have not been able to do anything at all for Old Milton. The buildings are not high enough for cross street strings or panels. We would like to erect displays on the lamp posts to provide Christmas Stars for Old Milton, still part of the primary shopping area but rather run down looking compared with the rest of the town. It needs some help and investment but we have not been able to raise sufficient funds so far.

What we'll deliver:

• Install 9 Christmas Star motifs on 8 street lamp columns in Old Milton Road
• Cover a splendid oak tree in Christmas lights on Old Milton Green
• Add new cross strings in Station Road
• Dress a large evergreen tree in small white lights in Station Road

Why it's a great idea:

Increase civic pride in the area.by developingl Old Milton as an ‘Antiques Alley’ with character to be explored but currently lacking in beautification. People will be attracted by a lights display that is different to the main street, easy parking and the opportunity to find excellent bargains and service. Without this investment, the area looks extremely drab. this should result in increased economic activity. It should also encourage landlords and businesses to look at their area differently and start to invest in improving the buildings and appearance of the built environment.

Steps to get it done:

• Buy lights from Lite who will also install, test and take down.
• Buy trees from Everton Nurseries.

It will make the area much more attractive and boost the community’s self- worth and self-confidence to know that others feel that they are worth investing in. It is hoped it would lead to the businesses and landlords investing more in their buildings and their appearance to attract people in.