Northcote Road may be left in the dark for future festive seasons if chain stores fail to stump up cash for Christmas lights.

For years traders have annually contributed half the cost of the festive lights, while the council provided the rest.

But as more and more multinational companies have settled in the area, the remaining independent shopkeepers are struggling to keep their half of the bargain.

This year's lights have already been put up by the council but if traders do not meet the target figure, the Battersea road could lose its festive spirit in years to come.

Although many independent traders have already paid the voluntary sum of £96, Sara Stickland, who runs the Boiled Egg and Soldiers caf and represents the Northcote Business Network, said that of the multiples, only the Pitcher and Piano pub had paid up before she contacted the News.

And she claims as more and more chains move in, the independent traders are each having to pay more to subsidise the lights.

"The multiples are mainly bars, pubs and restaurants, which is particularly annoying as the lights are on all evening when these people's customers can enjoy them.

"There should be some sort of community awareness because these chains are taking over and have displaced a lot of business down here."

However, after months of silence and repeated letters and phone calls from Ms Stickland, a few businesses, including The Fine Line bar, Somerfield and Wok Wok, have now pledged to pay up.

Gary Rudkin, manager of the Fine Line, said: "I wanted to contribute to the lights but any requests like this have to go through head office who decide which cause they give donations to. I am glad to say we are paying up."

A council spokesman said it would be a shame if the lights tradition fizzled out.

"We believe they make a good contribution to the festive shopping period and would like to see them continue."

November 30, 2001 11:00