CROSSGATES will not have the usual festive feel about it this year without its Christmas lights display

This picture was taken after the switch-on on Sunday just after 5pm in the Community Garden which is maintained by the "Greenfingers Group".

The Crossgates Community Council chair, Maureen Cuthbertson, is pictured in front of the tree but because most of the lights are now unusable

the village will not have its usual Christmas look.

In October Maureen and treasurer John Wylie appealed to Crossgates and Mossgreen residents and businesses, in the hope that money can be raised to restore the festive lighting for 2019.

Council chair, Maureen Cuthbertson, said: "Crossgates and Mossgreen Community Council has to report that with regret, there will be limited Christmas street lights this year in the village, as the old lights are no longer safe and have had to be disposed of for health and safety reasons.

"The picture shows the only lights in the village, put in place by members of the Community Council with help from several villagers.

"The Community Garden has been lit and the usual Christmas tree erected, but there was no immediate funding available to finance the necessary electrification of the street lamps by Fife Council at a cost of £320 for each standard, giving a total cost for 20 lamps of £6,400.

"In addition you have to add the subsequent leasing each year of the Christmas lights at a further cost of around £1,800, this results in a total cost of £8,200 for next year, with only the ongoing leasing costs in future years".

The community council hopes that things can be turned around for 2019 and both Maureen and John hope that residents and the village businesses can help them make things happen in 2019.

Anyone that can help is asked to contact the treasurer – Crossgates and Mossgreen Community Council, John Wylie, at 3 Manse Road, Crossgates, KY4 8DB; or chair Maureen Cuthbertson, Bucklyvie Cattery – Fordell, KY4 8EY.