A town’s Christmas tree has been branded a ‘shambles’ after only its bottom half was decorated because health and safety officials said it was too high to safely light the top.
The partially decorated pine in Bailiff Bridge, West Yorkshire, was slammed by residents while one councillor dubbed it ‘the worst in the north’.
Calderdale Council, the authority responsible for lighting it, said the natural tree had grown ‘significantly larger’ over the last year and it was not safe to reach the highest sections.
But Conservative councillor George Robinson described it as a ‘shambles’ and locals fumed that after two years of Covid regulations, they had hoped for some festive joy.
Residents in Bailiff Bridge in West Yorkshire have criticized the partially-decorated natural Christmas tree. Councillors have called it “the worst of the north”.
Cllr Robinson said: ‘We’ve had a torrid year with Covid and lockdowns, we just want a Christmas tree to enjoy.
‘It’s a shambles, the worst Christmas tree in the North.’
Jamie Bloem (ex-Halifax rugby team player) also criticised it. He said that the Christmas tree was ‘to add a little cheer’ after the two years of hardship’.
He said, “It would add a little colour to an otherwise boring time.”
“And now, with tighter restrictions. I think that a little cheer would be great right here.
Conservative councillor George Robinson said: ‘We’ve had a torrid year with Covid and lockdowns, we just want a Christmas tree to enjoy. It’s a shambles, the worst Christmas tree in the North.’
Margaret Bates claimed the tree looked “ridiculous” while Dave Cocker asked if Mini Me had decorated it.
Another described it as the ‘most depressing Christmas tree decorations in the UK’.
Matt Bell however was quick defend the council by saying that those who make fun of safety and health regulations ‘are also the ones suing council’ when it happens to them.
Labour-controlled council stated that it supplied trees and decorations in order to spread’some festive joy to the towns and villages.
It is still in place throughout the year and has been decorated in accordance with previous years.
The council claimed that the tree is now much larger than it was in years past and that decorations are more widely spread on the lower branches due to safety and accessibility.
Calderdale Council, the authority responsible for lighting it, said the natural tree had grown ‘significantly larger’ over the last year and it was not safe to reach the highest sections
Jenny Lynn, Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, stated: “We supply Christmas trees and decorations throughout Calderdale to add some festive cheer, and we wish every resident a very Happy Christmas.
“The Bailiff Bridge tree is naturally growing and remains standing all year. It is several years old.
“We’ve decorated the tree again this year like previous years.
‘As the tree has grown significantly larger over time, and due to its location, it is no longer safe or accessible to decorate the highest sections of the tree, as they can’t be reached by any maintenance vehicles.
“We are unable to decorate the lower branches this year.
“Next year we’ll ask the community to nominate a different tree for more full decoration.