'Leaning Christmas tree will stand tall again'

The tree was a victim of wet and windy conditions

It has been dubbed the leaning Christmas tree of Bloxwich - but locals say it will stand tall once again.

When Walsall councillors Corin Statham, Mark Statham and Gary Flint decided to put up a huge festive fir in the town's Lower Farm Estate, they might not have factored in wet and windy conditions.

But a week or so after the tree was in place, the three men received a deluge of calls informing them it was at a 45 degree angle.

Yuletide hilarity ensued, but residents have been promised they can look forward to seeing it lit up again soon.

"We are aware of the Christmas tree on Buxton Road island leaning over due to the wind," the councillors wrote on Facebook.

"This has been reported to the relevant team and is awaiting someone to inspect."

Materials ordered

The Bloxwich East councillors had lobbied to bring a tree back to the estate's Buxton Road island.

It was planted at the beginning of December, with residents invited to make a small donation in return for displaying a decoration.

Local flower shop Floribunda provided baubles and people were encouraged to send loved ones a festive message.

But the wind had other ideas.

The tree would rise again, councillors said

The council trio urged residents not to panic, with workers attending and more substantial anchor points ordered.

"Thanks to everyone that has been in touch - it really is appreciated," the councillors wrote.