TROWBRIDGE Area Board approved a grant for £5,000 for the refurbishment of Trowbridge Christmas Lights yesterday, along with funding applications totalling more than £40,000.

The area board, which met at County Hall on Thursday, approved the councillor-led application brought forward by Cllr Dennis Drewett to refurbish and replace the lights as they are now “looking very jaded”.

Cllr Drewett told the board that following criticism in the press and from members of the public, who considered last year’s lights to be of a “poor standard”, it was felt they needed refreshing.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the criticism of the Christmas lights in Trowbridge last year and heard many people praise them, but I am happy to support this application,” said Cllr Helen Osborn.

A further 11 grant applications were also approved by the area board, including a councillor-led application from Graham Payne for £7,500 towards equipment for Trowbridge Cricket Club Youth coaching scheme.

Grants were also approved for £6,150 towards equipment for Trowbridge Town Hall and £1,325 for The Big Community Grow, which will use the funds to purchase medieval tents and games for the Magna Carta Big Lunch.

Elsewhere, Trowbridge Sea Cadet Unit received £1,305 towards the replacement of a boat storage shed, Help Counselling Services received £2,500 and Alabare Christian Care and Support was awarded £2,400 towards replacement furniture and equipment.

Friends of Biss Meadows Country Park, Collaborative Schools, 1st Hilperton Scout Group, Trowbridge Community Area Future, Hilperton Village Hall and West Ashton Village Hall also had funding applications approved.