THERE'S only another 282 days left and already councillors in Wootton Bassett are talking about Christmas. After a disappointing show of Christmas lights last year, the town council is hoping to achieve something better this year.

Town clerk Jonathon Bourne said: "Clearly the lights disappointed people last year, so the council have decided to look into options for new light displays this year. I will be looking at various options and the council will be discussing costings at a later date."

Last year electricians advised that the old lights were unsafe and the town had to make do with a mini display, which attracted considerable criticism from disappointed revellers.

Councillors have also decided to change the location of Santa's grotto.

For the past two years Santa has handed out presents to children from his grotto in a toy shop. This was run on a profit-making basis.

But now the council want the proceeds from Santa's generosity to go to charity, so they need to find Santa a new home.

Mr Bourne said: "In the past the youth council ran it for us and donated the proceeds to whichever charity they felt would be appropriate. Something like that again would be lovely."

Any groups interested in helping out with the grotto can call the council's Cascade offices on (01793) 850 222.

There will also be some changes to the Dickensian evening, as councillors have decided to stage the carol singing portion of the evening in Boroughfields, doing away with the stage and freeing up £900 to spend on the rest of the event.