ORGANISERS of the annual Kilbirnie Christmas lights switch-on have announced that this year's event will be the last.

The Kilbirnie Town Centre Management Initiative (KTCMI) issued a plea last month for help in arranging the event.

READ MORE: Kilbirnie Christmas light switch-on: Organisers' help plea

They stated that due to a small and ageing committee, they were in desperate need of new members to step up and assist with organising duties - as well as tasks on the night itself.

The KTCMI added that they would be unable to continue with the event, should no-one come forward.

And after holding a board meeting in the Bridgend Community Centre yesterday, Wednesday November 1, the decision has been taken to make this year's light switch-on the last.

The group confirmed that despite interest following their initial plea, "no-one apart from the six committee members were there".

A statement added: "Therefore it is with a heavy heart that this will be the last year anything will be planned for the Christmas light switch-on."

Some locals still remain hopeful that the event can be saved for the sake of future generations of the town.

A number of people have requested that another meeting be arranged and publicised, to give the community one last chance to step up.

One person said: "Is there any way another can be arranged and give the opportunity to get folk involved?

"It would be absolutely gutting to have nothing for the kids and it’s appreciated all the effort and planning you have all done for years so hopefully some others can take over.

"I will attend hopefully if another is held."

Another local commented: "This is the first I’ve seen it heard anything about this. So sad because the kids love the light switch-on and I would definitely have come had I known about it."

Would you like to help with the event and possibly save the lights switch-on? Get in touch with the organisers on Facebook at facebook.com/KilbirnieLights or reach out at the Bridgend Community Centre.