Peterborough City Council has come under criticism for this year’s tree situated in the market square.
Peterborough’s new £40,000 tree
The tree, which is being used in the city for the second year running has recently been featured on the BBC article “Are these Britain’s worst Christmas Trees?” and has been described as “an abomination” by locals after its erection and switch on in the market square last week.
A Peterborough City Council spokesman said, “Like all decorations, the city’s new Christmas tree will look at its best once it’s lit up.
“This new contemporary tree stands at ten meters tall and will be the focal point of the festive display on Cathedral Square.
“We continue to develop the city centre as a regional shopping destination and festive displays help to encourage visitors to our city and support local businesses and jobs.
“The council owns the new tree which cost around £40,000. As it will last for at least five years this represents a significant saving to the council.”
left: Nottingham, right: Grimsby
There are claims that the tree shows a saving to the tax payer with over £80,000 having been spent each year on Christmas decorations across the market square before the tree was bought.
Social media users were less kind with Gordon Leed saying, “it’s NOT a Christmas Tree it’s an abomination and a misuse of Council Tax payer’s money.”
Charlene Osifo added, “the only place that monstrosity should be is in the tip.”
However, despite the public outcry it looks as though the tree is here to stay with a council spokesman saying that the tree “will last for at least five years”.
The full article in print, can be read by clicking here.
by Tom McBeth (December 2016)
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