Easter is only just over, but that hasn’t stopped the residents of Shirehampton turning their thoughts to Christmas.

The village prides itself on its lights display but the work is entirely funded by the community because the area is “not deprived enough” for council funding.

But in the midst of a recession, with businesses in the community closing, residents say they will need to work harder than ever to raise funds, even using the internet to give them a boost.

Six years ago a group of residents decided that the village needed a festive facelift and formed the Shirehampton Christmas Lights Association (SCLA).

Treasurer Cedric Rich, 72, of Park Road, Shirehampton, said: “A number of us thought that the village looked a bit drab at that time of year and we wanted to improve the social situation. We didn’t want the village spiralling into decline and we wanted to brighten it up.

“Bristol City Council actually gave us our first lights, some second-hand ones, and then Shirehampton traders also donated some money but now we rely on collecting tins in shops and donations from members of the public.

“The total we need to raise is about £2,000, people are very helpful and do give money but this is a difficult time. We also rely on a small group of volunteers who work hard dressing the trees.” and helping to put them up.”

The association admits thinking about Christmas in spring is early but necessary to ensure the lights are a success. At a recent meeting plans for more lights on a Christmas tree-lined High Street were discussed although emphasis is on keeping costs down.

Mr Rich said: “It looks very nice, we have trees lit up along the whole length of the village. We have to power it through the traders so each tree is set up individually.”

“We looked at putting trees on lampposts but the council wanted about £4,000. We also use LED lights on the trees so that keeps the electricity consumption down.

“The lights are on 24 hours but the cost of the whole period is about £1-£1.50 per tree so that helps with the costs.”

The Association is solely supported by public donations and collecting tins in village shops but unlike other areas of the city there is no funding available from the council.

Mr Rich said: “The story goes that there is a list of Bristol City’s most deprived areas, about 10 or 12 of them, and Shirehampton falls one outside of that so we don’t get funding.”

Terry Cook, Labour councillor for Avonmouth, said: “It is true that Shirehampton does not get the same kind of grants as other areas because there is not the same level of deprivation - I’m not sure there are grants especially for Christmas lights though. The area has small pockets of deprivation but as whole doesn’t qualify.”

William Duguid, Chairman of SCLA, dressed as a Christmas tree last year as part of celebrations. He said: “Portishead Christmas Lights Association have an advantage because they have been awarded large grants from their town council over recent years so direct comparisons are unfair...we are planning events this year to make the 2009 display even better.”

The association is trying new methods of raising funds including online sales of products through the non-profit organisation The Fundraising People. Shoppers can buy from 500 suppliers, including Boots and Asda, and then select Shirehampton Christmas Lights Association so it receives a percentage of sales.