Locals and social media users have been left in tears after seeing a new public Christmas tree erected in Stockport. The “pathetic” and “unbelievably bad” tree has forced council chiefs to release a statement in response to the criticism.
Located in the middle of a major roundabout, the tree, which has fairy lights wrapped around it, has been described by those living near it as so “spindly” and “wonky” that it looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The council has assured residents that it’s not the area’s main Christmas tree and that it wasn’t planted as a Christmas tree, though the decision was made to decorate it anyway.
In a post on the Nextdoor social media app, Dave Booth, writing next to a photo of the tree, said: “Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) has really excelled this year with the tree on the Bridge Lane roundabout, the plus point is it is a live tree.”
Others similarly hit out at the tree, noting that it risked becoming a poor representation of the area.
“What the hell is that???” Elaine Bailey said. “How pathetic. SMBC should be ashamed,” Val R said.
Diana Rourke said: “Unbelievably bad!!”, while Hilary Dunne continued: “I saw this earlier today. It is absolutely awful. All other Christmas trees around the Stockport area are much better.”
Mike Forshaw added: “Just driven past and yes it looks more ridiculous than this post suggested…..right near the road as well, why not more central on the grass? Did it really require 3 council vans, 6 blokes and 2 suits to organise that?”
Not everyone was altogether displeased, however. “I love it,” said Dharmachari Dayak. “It brings more of a smile than any other I can remember seeing! And next year it will be even wonkier!” Whilst Valerie Wayne said: “It’s a tourist attraction – The Leaning Tree of Bramhall!”
SMDC, the local authority responsible for the tree, said the Serbian spruce wasn’t planted as a Christmas tree but was intended to replace a dead tree on the same site.
They say the “community were keen to have lights on it”, and insist that when it has grown out it will benefit the area for “future generations”.
A town hall spokesperson said: “The main Christmas tree in Bramhall is a tree provided each year in the centre of the village next to the church.
“The newly planted tree at Bramhall roundabout is a living picea omorika Serbian spruce tree – it replaces a dead tree and has not been intentionally planted as a Christmas tree but the community was keen to have lights on it.”
They continued: “The tree will be there for many years to come and was chosen as it is an upright variety, to minimise the impact on road users. As the tree continues to grow over the years it will fill out and benefit the area for future generations by providing an essential habitat for wildlife.
“The tree will be there for many years to come and was chosen as it is an upright variety, to minimise the impact on road users. As it is in a prominent position and to celebrate the festive season lights have been added to the tree.
“As the tree continues to grow over the years it will fill out and benefit the area for future generations by providing an essential habitat for wildlife.”
