Christmas lights in Bournemouth have been saved by the town centre BID after the local authority announced cost-cutting plans.

The Bournemouth Town Centre BID will be funding several Christmas attractions this festive season to attract as many visitors to the town as possible.

BCP Council announced it would be axing lights and decorations, other than the  Christmas Tree Wonderland, to combat struggling finances.

Read more: BCP Council cancels number of Christmas light displays

The BID will also be showcasing projection mapping on buildings and trees to boost footfall.

Martin Davies, chairman of the Bournemouth Town Centre BID said: “It would be fair to say that we are very disappointed that BCP Council is withdrawing its funding for Christmas lights in Bournemouth town centre and across the conurbation.

“Our levy payers will be disappointed too.

“While we are more than aware of the significant financial problems many local authorities including BCP are facing, investment in our town centre is vital, especially during the most important trading period of the year.

“The new BCP administration said right at the outset in May that the revitalisation of Bournemouth town centre was one of its top priorities.

“This would have been a good way of showing it.”

Mr Davies added his disappointment that BCP Council would not be offering Christmas parking concessions, saying parking charges ‘is one of the key concerns for traders and visitors’.

READ MORE: BCP Council cancels Bournemouth's Christmas lights

Paul Kinvig, CEO of the BID said: “The BID is ready, willing, and able to step in on behalf of our levy-payers and our town centre.

“We will be doing everything we can to bring a vibrant and colourful festive presence.

“We are also very excited about the new projection mapping.

“This will be something stunning and environmentally sustainable.”

He added: “We are also delighted to be able to bring the Shape of Things to Come trail to town.”

From locations across the town centre, window vinyls will let people access an augmented reality experience.

Those completing the trail, funded by a grant from BCP Council, will be entered into a free competition to win a town centre gift card.

Mr Kinvig added: “This is a great way of linking Bournemouth’s past with the latest technology.

“For us, this is all about giving as many young people and families as possible, a reason to visit different parts of the town centre.”

The full BID Christmas programme will begin on November 17 with full details of the locations yet to be announced.