Timber...
FROM the moment it appeared under the historic Clock Tower, time was running out for Morpeth’s threadbare Christmas tree.
But now the historic Northumberland market town has a tree to be proud of after disappointed locals rallied around to find a replacement.
Anger spread among residents and on social media after a Christmas tree was installed under the Clock Tower on Oldgate on Sunday.
The festive effort was branded “shocking” and a “disgrace” in comparison to efforts from previous years.
Morpeth and District Chamber of Trade provides the town with a free Christmas tree each year – but accepted this year’s was not the best. And with the support of Morpeth Town Council and local businesses, a more suitable alternative was installed in the Northumberland town on Wednesday.
Ken Brown, chair of the Chamber of Trade, said: “It’s come about from the community working together. It’s been a good group exercise. “I’d like to thank all involved including the donor of the original tree as we did think at one point that we might not be able to provide a tree at all this year.”
The original tree was met with derision after a picture was circulated on social media.
Events manager Colin Scrowther was among the residents to post his disappointment, branding it a “massive drop in quality” from previous years.
The old tree will be trimmed and re-shaped before being installed at Stobhillgate First School. Mr Brown added: “A lot of people have asked about the tree that has been replaced and again the community has come together to find a solution.
“This will save the school the cost of buying one which is fantastic.”
It’s been a good group exercise. I’d like to thank all involved including the donor of the original tree.
Ken Brown