'Big' tree planned for Christmas celebration

Councillor Michael Hartnack and Fulwell Community Library's Richard Beck, pictured in December last year after the tree was stripped of decorations, have welcomed the announcement

A bigger and better Christmas tree has been promised for a community after vandals damaged the previous one when they stripped it of its decorations and lighting.

The young tree used last year in Sunderland's Fulwell area had been bought from Italy at a cost of £3,500, but was targeted in mid-December.

It had also come in for criticism for being too small, and its replacement is set to be at least 25ft (7.6m).

Last year's damaged tree, originally planted in Dene Lane, has since been moved to a different location.

For several years, the area's festive trees have been paid for by the Sea Road and Fulwell Traders' Association.

However, it has been announced the city council's North Sunderland Area Committee will pay about £1,700 for a new one, as well as additional costs for lighting.

Fulwell councillor Michael Hartnack, a Conservative who also sits on the committee, said he was "absolutely delighted".

"We will be getting a big Christmas tree this year. It will be fantastically decorated and be beautiful for the area."

'Expensive business'

Fellow ward councillor and committee member Peter Walton, a Liberal Democrat, said "a few residents mentioned [last year] they were slightly disappointed with the size of the tree.

"Inevitably people compare our tree with those in other wards.

"It was a bit unfortunate last year's tree was targeted before it had been able to grow significantly. I'm optimistic the new one will be well received."

Richard Beck, of Fulwell Community Library and chair of the traders' organisation, also welcomed the announcement, saying he looked forward to the switch-on, which is set to take place on 20 November.

Last year's event saw former England footballer Jill Scott, who grew up in Fulwell, attend as special guest.

"Last year's tree wasn't huge," Mr Beck said. "Some people were happy with it, some weren't.

"But from being put there it was vandalised [more than once] so we got a local company in to plant it on a different site.

"We've spent thousands over the years as it's quite an expensive business, but we do it mostly for the kids.

"We always get a good turnout with a couple of hundred people and it's great to see the children's faces when the footballers arrive."