‘Worst’ Christmas tree gets the chop
FURTHER festive misfortune has hit what was dubbed ‘the worst Christmas tree in the UK’ after vandals chopped it down.
The tree, outside First House, on Brinnington Road, Brinnington, was felled some time between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
It had hit the national headlines two years ago when - following complaints from residents - it was described as the worst in the country and nicknamed ‘the twig’.
But many had learned to love the tree and have been angered by the act of vandalism. Stockport Homes’ anti-social behaviour team is now investigating.
Donna Varley, 32, from Brinnington, said: “It wasn’t doing any harm or hurting anyone. It may have looked a bit shabby but it just needed time to grow.
“There was no need to chop it down, whoever has done it is out of order. Last year someone took the trouble to come down and put baubles on it and it looked really sweet.”
Marilyn Cockburn, 47, from Brinnington, added: “It is about respect, people are trying to make Brinnington a bit nicer and this happens.
“It is upsetting that the tree has been vandalised and a shame. Vandalism has become a bit of a problem round here at the moment.”
The vandals initially chopped down the tree to a stump of around two feet.
But Stockport Homes, who have responsibility for the tree, have now completely cut it to the ground.
It had been planted in 2015, and although at the time it was likened to a ‘moulted budgie’ the intention was it would grow into a more impressive specimen.
Then council staff decorated the spindly branches instead of Brinnington’s official tree that was nearby, making it look as though it was Brinnington’s main tree.
Simon Welch, director of neighbourhoods and support at Stockport Homes, said: “We are sorry to hear that this tree has been vandalised and our anti-social behaviour team are looking into it.
“Local residents can still enjoy the main Christmas tree in the square between the library and shops.”