The Christmas tree in Bailiff Bridge in West Yorkshire has been described as "the worst in the north" after it was decorated only a third of the way up due to safety concerns.
Council bosses said the issue with decorating the tree is that it had grown too tall, meaning it is unsafe to decorate the higher sections "as they can't be reached by any maintenance vehicles", according to Jenny Lynn, Calderdale council's cabinet member for public services and communities.
It has been referred to "Elf and safety gone mad", with local Conservative councillor George Robinson, stating: "It is clear that it is the worst Christmas tree in the north. When I saw the tree, my heart went into my stomach, the Christmas spirit left my body – I was just left with a Scrooge-like feeling. The lights go a third of the way up the tree, there are two stray baubles on there, clearly a token gesture: in some ways, you wonder why the council bothered".
The tree has not helped to bring festive cheer to the village, with its bare upper branches leaving a sombre mood to those passing by.
However there is some positive news for locals, as Calderdale council has promised that people of Bailiff Bridge can select an alternative tree to decorate in the village in 2022, to avoid this happening next year.
Robinson stated this result is a success story from the power of the media, and added: "I think it is important that Calderdale council put this bah humbug attitude behind them so we can move forward, so next year Bailiff Bridge gets the best Christmas tree, the Christmas tree it deserves".
