'Hidden' Christmas tree to move after town's plea

A petition to relocate Hartlepool's Christmas tree to the town centre was signed by 875 people last year

A town's Christmas tree will go up in a different location after complaints it was not visible enough in previous years.

Hartlepool's festive tree was traditionally placed behind the church on Church Street, on the small grassed area opposite The Ward Jackson pub.

Last year, a petition calling for a "less hidden" spot where people could gather around it was signed by 875 people, but Hartlepool Borough Council said light switch-on plans were too far advanced for a change.

It has now confirmed that this year the tree will sit on the pedestrian area of Church Square, in front of the art gallery, making it easier for people to "enjoy Christmas carols and get into the festive spirit".

In a video announcing the move, Labour council leader Pamela Hargreaves said: "Where we put the Christmas tree in Hartlepool is a very emotional issue and we all have our views about where it should be.

"We know that last year lots of people made their views known on social media and wanted us to move it from behind Christ Church, where it had been placed for a number of years.

"This is all part of us responding to the things that you tell us [and] restoring that pride that we all have for our town."

Denis Lindridge said the new place was better but "still not ideal"

Last year's online petition, launched by Rossmere resident Denis Lindridge, argued for it to be located near the war memorial in Victory Square, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Responding to the new plans, he said he had "very mixed feelings", and that while it will "definitely be in a better place" his suggested location would have been more appropriate and popular with residents.

Locals should have been given a say, as it was "our tree", Mr Lindridge said.

"At least it's moved," he added.

"It's definitely in a better place but it's not in the best place...it's not ideal."