AS A member of the Earlestown Christmas Lights committee, I would like to reply to Brian Wilkinson's letter from last week.

We have now raised a £5,000 contribution to the lights in our town this year, via local businesses and townsfolk alike.

On November 27, we shall for the first time in many years be having Christmas lights in Earlestown.

This would not be possible without the help of Councillor Dave Banks and St Helens Council, who have helped us thus far with everything we have done. They have also matched the money we have raised.

I believe it is much better to get off one's backside and trying to get things done as opposed to saying that "others should be doing that".

There is a strong community in Newton-le-Willows that can and will achieve many things over the forthcoming years.

Terry Maguire, Newton