Clacton Christmas tree 'too small' for town square

The council said it needed to come up with something "more substantial"

A town centre Christmas tree labelled "a twig" by critics has been removed after just one day.

The 12ft (4m) tree was given to Clacton by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and was put up in the Town Square.

But Tendring District Council said it had now taken the tree down saying it was "not man enough for the job".

The FSB has yet to comment on the tree's removal. The council said the gift had been "a generous gesture".

But shortly after it was put up, people in the town voiced their disappointment, with one comparing it to a "twig" and another describing it as "definitely a downgrade".

The council said it hoped the business group would understand.

Peter Halliday, leader of the Conservative-controlled council, said "It is very disappointing after we were donated a tree, but there was no other decision that could be made but to take the tree down.

"It is just too prominent a site for a tree of that size and on a site that is exposed to some pretty strong winds.

"We would be letting our residents and traders down if we did not come up with something more substantial," he said