TRADERS and landlords are being urged to make sure that the Christmas spirit in Durham is brightly lit.

There are fears that the city centre's festive lights display could be incomplete this year because new suspension bolts need to be installed on buildings to meet updated safety standards.

So far, more than 60 per cent of traders and landlords have responded to requests for permission to do the work.

But the Durham City Forum, which promotes trade in the city, is concerned that if permission is not received from everybody, then not all the lights will be put up.

Forum chairman Richard Toynbee said: "We have had the bolts tested this year to see if they comply with the legislation - but because of their age, a lot of them don't.

"The city council is helping us by offering to pay for the bolts and securing points that have to be installed, but we need permission from the landlords first.

"We have got a great celebrity lined up for the lights switch-on - Keith Duffy, who is now in Coronation Street and was in Boyzone.

"If we can't get these bolts installed in time, we are concerned that we won't have all the lights up and same areas could be left without."

Mr Toynbee added that the new bolts needed to be installed early in November and he urged everyone to return letters of permission for the work as soon as possible.

A council spokesman said: "The city council is part of the forum and we are more than happy to help out.

"It would be a pity if the city lost out for the sake of a few landlords. This is why we are making an effort before it is too late to get hold of these landlords."