Council criticised over £14,000 fake Christmas tree

A council has been criticised after erecting a £14,000 fake Christmas tree in Poole, Dorset, due to concerns that a traditional fir tree would be a danger to the public. Shoppers in the seaside town said the artificial 33ft tree looks more like a huge traffic cone or something from outer space in the daytime.

It does not have branches or decorations and its thousands of lights look festive only at night, residents have claimed. But Borough of Poole bosses said it is safer, sturdier and cheaper in the long run than a Norway fir tree that could topple over in strong winds.

A 30ft real tree costs about £500 plus around £3,500 for specialists to decorate, light and install each year.



Poole's Town Centre Management Board, an organisation made up of businesses and the council, chose the tree which is not funded by taxpayers but is sponsored by local business. Two tons of ballast stop it blowing over and speakers hidden inside play Christmas carols.

Richard Randle-Jones, Poole town centre manager, said: ''We've sought an alternative solution following a number of complaints from the public about last year's real Christmas tree."

Health and safety rules mean a tree of that height in a busy shopping precinct must be secure from the risk of being blown down during high winds. People had complained about the hoardings and guy ropes supporting the real tree last year, the council said.