'Shabby' Christmas tree inspires 'no festive spirit'

The tree has come under fire from locals for the lack of decorations on it

A town centre Christmas tree has been branded shabby by a councillor as reviewers have been left underwhelmed by its lack of decoration.

The tree has been put up close to Walsall bus station in the last few days but councillor Matt Ward said it had failed to inspire "festive spirit."

A Walsall Council spokesperson said "quality checks" on the tree and another in Willenhall would take placed in the coming days.

The authority is considering cutting its budget for its overall Christmas lights provision next year.

'Absolutely unbelievable'

Mr Ward, who represents Darlaston South, said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable.

"Whilst other towns have light switch-ons which draw hundreds of people into the town, Walsall gets a tree that looks like its been dragged around the town and the lights just thrown on.

“There is no festive cheer, as the council are planning on withdrawing Christmas light funding with a commitment from a contractor to pay for just one year.

“Shabby trees isn’t quite the festive spirit Walsall residents deserve. This doesn’t exactly give you a reason to come to Walsall to do your Christmas shopping."

Decorations have been installed in Walsall

On Facebook, one person said the tree looked "half dead" while another criticised the council as "cheapskates".

However, a council spokesperson said: “The council is looking at a number of savings proposals in advance of final budget decisions early next year.

“These proposals include exploring the opportunity to secure corporate sponsorship of the borough’s Christmas lights, something that has worked well this year to mitigate the impact of increasing costs.

“At this stage, no decision has been made about the future funding of Christmas lights.”