Londoners may have expected the “spindly” pine gifted to Trafalgar Square by Norway to be the most controversial tree of the festive season. It has competition, however: a dispute has broken out in a Yorkshire village after officials declined to light the top half of their tree.
The pine in Bailiff Bridge, West Yorkshire, was called the worst Christmas tree in the north after it grew too tall for the council to safely decorate its upper branches. The tree is there year round and Calderdale council said it had grown “significantly larger” since last year.
George Robinson, a Conservative councillor, described the half-lit tree as a shambles and locals said that after two years of coronavirus regulations they had hoped for some festive joy.
Jamie Bloem, a former Halifax rugby league player, said: “After the two years everyone has gone through, a Christmas tree to bring a bit of cheer is a necessity. It would be a bit of colour in an otherwise dull time. And now with tighter restrictions, I think a bit of cheer would be great.”
Margaret Bates said: “I’ve just driven past this. I thought there must be a fault in the lights. Please tell me it’s not meant to be like this, it looks ridiculous.”
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One online comment said: “Bailiff Bridge’s pledge to reduce their carbon footprint has been put into force.” Another said it was the “most depressing Christmas tree decorations in the UK”.
The Labour-controlled council said it provided trees and decorations to bring “some festive cheer to towns and villages”.
Jenny Lynn, cabinet member for public services and communities, said: “We have decorated the tree this year, like we have in previous years. As the tree has grown significantly larger over time, and due to its location, it is no longer safe or accessible to decorate the highest sections of the tree, as they can’t be reached by any maintenance vehicles.
“Therefore, this year we are only able to decorate the lower branches. Next year we will ask local community groups to nominate another, more easily accessible tree, for a much fuller decoration.”
