Christmas gift for fake tree-haters - 08/12/09

A traditional fir tree will replace an unpopular £14,000 fake Christmas tree in Dorset after it was attacked by vandals.

Shoppers in Poole likened the 33ft artificial tree to a huge traffic cone, a witch's hat covered in grass and "something from outer space".

So vociferous were many of the locals, that a Facebook group called "We don't care about health and safety, Poole needs a proper Christmas tree" boasts almost 5,000 members who wanted it replaced.

Police said one or several people climbed the tree in Falkland Square and damaged its framework between 5pm on November 30 and 9.15am the following day.

It had to be removed for repairs and a traditional 30ft Christmas tree erected in its place, which is a welcome Christmas gift for many locals.

Jonathan Sibbett, chairman of Poole Town Centre Management, said: "We opted to have an artificial tree this year after feedback from Poole shoppers and residents, this led to the decision to bring in something different this festive season and we are very disappointed that the cone tree has been vandalised."

The fake tree did not have branches or decorations and its thousands of lights only looked festive at night, residents claimed. But Borough of Poole bosses defended the tree as safer, sturdier and cheaper in the long run than a Norway fir tree that they said could topple over in strong winds.

Related Gifts

Large Plaited Holly Tree

Ilexi aquifolium

£45.95

A beautiful plaited stem Holly tree makes the perfect Christmas gift. This pot grown half standard sized Holly tree can be tastefully decorated with ...

Read more

Out of stock
Christmas Tree for Life Pack - Gold

Personalised 22ct Gold Plated Snowflake.

£38.59

All that glitters is gold! A wonderful living Christmas Tree gift containing a baby Norway Spruce sapling and a very special personalised Christmas t...

Read more

Out of stock