BLOWN OVER:

A new location is needed for Hanley’s Christmas tree after strong winds brought it crashing down – less than 24 hours after being put up. Two large trees were installed in Stafford Street and Parliament Row, on Monday, in preparation for the festive period.

But Stoke-on-trent City Council says the trunk of the Stafford

Street tree snapped during the stormy weather. Now it is searching for a new position for the tree in Hanley, after the fall damaged the current site. A council spokeswoman said an investigation team visited the site on Tuesday and is liaising with suppliers to understand what happened.

She added: “Unfortunately, due to the fall, this has caused damage to the pit which houses the trunk of the tree. We are extremely disappointed by the news as this site has been home to a Christmas tree for many years. As a priority we are looking for an alternative city centre location for a Christmas tree and look to have it erected as soon as possible.”