A TOWN centre could shine even brighter next Christmas if plans to extend its festive lighting scheme gets the go-ahead.

Councillors in Horwich said they would like to put up more decorations to attract people to the area.

Last Christmas, the festive lighting was increased to include shops and businesses in Winter Hey Lane. Now councillors want to extend the display even more. Initial suggestions were made at a council meeting to install three lamp features at the junction of Mason Street and Chorley New Road and putting up strings of lights leading to Horwich Market and along Lee Lane to the Public Hall.

Town Council leader, Cllr John Cronnolley, said: "The lights last year were a lot better than they have been previously and really brightened the place up.

"We want to keep traders and shoppers happy with even more this year." Funding for the lights will come from Horwich Town Council, helped by a £750 grant from Bolton Council.

Cllr Barbara Ronson said: "We have to decide whether we want to enhance the shopping area or whether we want to make the entrance into Horwich look more attractive.

"It needs careful planning to maximise expenditure and maximise the effects of it."

Councillors also intend to discuss ways of encouraging more shops and businesses to participate in brightening up the town over the festive period by having their own Christmas trees and lights in their windows.

Cllr Ronson said: "If everybody got involved we could really make a difference to the feel of the town at that time of year."

A sub-committee will make the final decisions later this month.