‘Worst Christmas tree in the North’ half-decorated due to health and safety concerns

Is this the worst Christmas tree in the North? A tree in the Memorial Park at Bailiff Bridge in West Yorkshire has been left half-dressed after health and safety concerns meant only the lower part of the tree was decorated.

Local Conservative councillor George Robinson said the tree was “sturdy and cracking” but complained it was the decorations that let it down.

He labelled the tree as the worst Christmas tree in the north and said: "We've had a torrid year with Covid and lockdowns, we just want a Christmas tree to enjoy.”

A spokesperson from Calderdale Council said it was not "safe or accessible to decorate the highest sections" of the tree.

The Labour-controlled council said it provided trees and decorations to bring "some festive cheer to our towns and villages".

The council added the tree had grown significantly larger and due to safety and accessibility the decorations were "spread amongst the lower branches".

One Twitter user questioned whether it was an ingenious plan to reduce the council's carbon footprint,

Meanwhile in the South , Norway says it will not be sending funds for a new Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square after the first one was criticised.

Councillors in Oslo decided against sending funds for a new tree during budgetary meetings on Wednesday, Westminster City Council have said.

The first – sent last week – was criticised by some, who described it as “sparse”.

One social media user said it was the “most anaemic tree possible” and another said: “The Trafalgar tree’s looking a bit sparse this year … who upset Norway then? Come on, own up.

Where is the worst Christmas Tree in the UK?

If you have seen a disappointing Christmas tree in the UK then email gbviews@gbnews.uk and let us know.