STAFF REPORTER
BUSINESSES in Palma's historic centre won't be having to pay their share of the costs of the Christmas lighting this year as the City Council will be footing the total bill of 60'000 euros, said the Mayor, Aino Calvo yesterday.
Calvo explained that the gesture was an attempt to compensate around 1'000 traders for the inconvenience and loss of business they had suffered whilst Central Government funded construction work was under way in the capital this year.
Calvo was speaking yesterday after meeting with Palma's Decorative Lighting Employers' Association at which she confirmed a saving of 40 percent through the use of low energy light bulbs. Calvo announced that another novelty this year will be the Christmas trees in the suburbs of Rafal Vell, Molinar, Son Gotleu, Son Cladera, Parc de Ses Estaciones and Plaza d'en Serralta which can be lit through the use of a treadle system. The Christmas lights will be switched on on 4th December except in Blanquerna where they will remain unlit until the 11th to allow building work to be completed.