Burslem is set to light up for Christmas on Friday after residents and business owners came together to raise funds. 

The town faced being left in the dark after Stoke-on-Trent City Council cut the budget for Christmas lights outside the city centre. 

The council says the lack of festive spirit is a direct result of Government curs which have left them having to cut millions of pounds from council budgets. 

Fund raising in Burslem only began last week but around £2,750 has been raised to help pay for Christmas lights and the electricity to power them. 

Fund raiser John Flint said: “We have had very little time in which to fund raise but people have rallied around magnificently. 

“There have been bucket collections all weekend as well as an online collection.    

“A tree has kindly been donated by Jackson’s Nurseries and there will be a further collection at the Port Vale game today (Tuesday).” 

Help has come from the town’s pubs, Haywood Engineering College and a variety of businesses. 

Titanic Brewery, which is based in the town has donated £250. 

Managing Director Keith Bott said: “Despite the lack of commitment from our council it is great that the businesses of Burslem are willing to provide a little Christmas cheer in austere times. 

“In particular, it is pleasing to see all the town centre pubs, which are at the heart of the community, supporting the incentive including Titanic’s own Bulls Head, Chillz Bar, Ye Olde Crown and the Swan Hotel.” 

ENDS. 

For further information contact Keith Bott at Titanic Brewery on 01782 823477

Notes to Editors:  

Titanic Brewery is named as an affectionate tribute to the fact that Captain Edward Smith, Master of the Titanic, was born in Stoke-on-Trent and all the beers it produces have names with links to the sea or RMS Titanic. 

For further information visit the brewery’s website at www.titanicbrewery.co.uk 

Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem in 1985 and has grown to produce 2.3 million pints of fine ale every year. It is owned by Stafford born brothers Keith and Dave Bott. Keith is Chairman of SIBA, the society of independent brewers. 

Titanic Brewery’s pub fleet:

The Bulls Head, Burslem

The Greyhound, Hartshill

The White Star, Stoke,

The Royal Exchange, Stone

The Sun Inn, Stafford

The Roebuck Hotel, Leek

The Hollybush, Seighford.