MARLOW could be plunged into festive darkness unless more support can be found to help pay for the town’s Christmas lights, according to the council.

The twinkling lights hung on the town centre streets each year could cease to be from as soon as next year if a funding gap cannot be closed.

Wycombe District Council funding for the Christmas tradition due to stop next year following devolution of the job to Marlow Town Council two years ago.

And although pledges are now coming through, the council fears the numbers just won’t add up unless more businesses step forward to support the expensive light show.

Speaking on behalf of councillors at Marlow’s Community Forum meeting in October, town clerk Annie Jones said: "This is the last year we get funding from WDC for the Christmas lights.

"We have depleted funds and when we budget for it we cannot fully fund the lights.

"In future years we will have to actively go out to get businesses to help out with sponsorship.

"We are trying to put our heads together with the Chamber (of Commerce).

"No one wants to see the end of the lights but we do not have a bottomless pit and that’s how it’s looking at the moment."

The news comes just a week before celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is due to flick the switch on Marlow’s festive light show aboard an open-top double decker bus on Marlow High Street.

Since handing over responsibility in 2012, WDC has provided tapering support - ending this year - totalling £34,800 over three years.

In 2013, MTC earmarked £17,000 for the lights, which includes the large tree on the Causeway, overhead lights and 50 individual lit trees above High Street stores.

And a further £1000 was given over for the ‘Switch on and Shop’ evening.

A crisis meeting was held with Marlow Chamber of Commerce last week, with secretary Jo Braybrooke saying members are "working with the town council with the matter of the lights".

The Chamber - comprised of over 100 town businesses - is understood to be considering the level of support it will give to the project.

Businesses in the town do already contribute to the illuminations, with Shanly Group making a donation every year and helping to extend the lights to Spittal Street and West Street in 2012.

Tamra Booth, Shanly Group’s Operations Director said: ""Marlow is such a lovely town and the prospect of it not being lit up by festive illuminations in the lead up to Christmas is a sad one.

"We would encourage other local businesses to give what they can to ensure residents - and visitors to the town - can enjoy the festive high street decorations for years to come."

Current support comes from Catalyst Ltd, The Chequers, Beaufort Asset Management, Pink Accountancy, Hyperion Tiles, Richardson Jones, Gordons Solicitors, Seymour Taylor and the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel.

More pledged their support this week, but the council has not yet confirmed who made the donations.

Check the Free Press website this weekend for details of this Thursday's switch-on with Tom Keridge.