‘Britain’s worst Christmas tree’ slammed by locals as a ‘twig’… now they’ve taken the matter into their hands
The big tree unveiling at the Christmas lights switch-on in Ottery St Mary, Devon, left residents crestfallen
COULD this be the worst Christmas tree in Britain?
Crestfallen residents of Ottery St Mary, Devon, were left wondering if last year's tree had been resurrected for the town's Christmas lights switch on.
The big unveiling on Friday prompted a flood of criticism as the feeble festive centrepiece left scores of onlookers underwhelmed.
After pictures were posted on the Ottery Matters Facebook page, residents lashed out at the sorry looking decorations.
Lydia Stirling said: "Oh dear again with the appalling Christmas tree. Why can't Ottery get a tree that doesn't look like lopsided skeleton after the cats have been climbing it."
One resident added: "A lot of people thought it was last year's tree."
Another said there appeared to be more decorations than branches on the tree.
However, following the outcry residents took matters into their own hands and a local businessman James Trevett donated a replacement.
The new tree was put up in the heart of the town and decorated by residents earlier today.
Following the second unveiling, Mikaylaa Baylie-Ray wrote: "Looking much better.
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"Though I just can't understand why some one thought the 1st tree was good enough? Surly otter nurseries round the corner could have helped out."
Rosalind Browne added: "Brilliant, it looks lovely - something the town can be proud of."
Earlier this week, Derby City Council created an exclusion zone around the city's undecorated tree so 'people could view the tree from a safe distance.