Christmas tree 'urgently' replaced in seaside town after pathetic size mocked by locals
A Christmas tree in a seaside town is being urgently replaced after an 'underwhelming' one was delivered by mistake
Facebook
A Christmas tree in a seaside town is being urgently replaced after an “underwhelming” one was delivered by mistake.
After being mocked by residents, Dover district council said a new tree would be installed outside the pier in Deal.
The "small-scale" tree - which has been dubbed “Kent’s worst Christmas tree” by locals in the area - is being replaced as a “matter of urgency”, according to council chiefs.
Kevin Mills, the town’s Labour council leader claims the pine is was not the one originally ordered.
Photos online show a new, bigger tree being put up by Archers Low Nursery this evening
"I find it unacceptable that this has happened and it makes the council department that dealt with it look bad," he said.
"The tree wasn’t the one that was ordered and the company that supplied it will be replacing it with the correct one as a matter of urgency.
"I have insisted this has to be done as soon as possible."
Photos online show a new, bigger tree being put up by Archers Low Nursery this evening.
In a post on Facebook, they said: "We weren't responsible for the previous Christmas tree... But we were asked to 'solve the problem' and that's exactly what we have done!
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"We've still got the lights to sort out (we ran out of time this evening) but we hope this beauty of a tree feels a little more festive."
Despite the original tree being ridiculed by some residents, others have shared support for the council.
Peter Marsh, who has lived in Deal for 13 years, said: "You can get bigger ones in Poundland.
"It’s underwhelming. It’s almost as tall as the pampas grass but not quite as big. I would have expected a better one. If you’re going to do it, do it properly."
Jill Breen, another Deal resident, added: “It could be bigger. It’s not the best I’ve ever seen but at least it’s not leaning to one side as I thought it might be.
“It’s not too bad though. I think it should have a star. I think maybe at night it would look lovely.”
Archers Low Nursery said they hope the new tree 'feels a little more festive'
Some locals said criticism of the tree was unfair.
Vanessa Hood from Faversham, said: “It’s got lights so once they are on in the evening it would be nice.
"It’s a nice gesture by the council to put a tree up in the first place - it makes people feel better. I think a lot of people like to moan."
Brian Hurst said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to Deal and walking through the pier I saw it and I think it’s very good. I think they’ve made a lot of effort to do that and the criticism is unwarranted.”