Residents protest ‘droopy and browning’ Christmas tree called a ‘Temu special’

A Dying Christmas Tree Causes Outrage in Wisbech

Residents of Wisbech, a town in Cambridgeshire, have expressed their frustration over a Christmas tree that has been described as ‘droopy and browning.’ The tree, which was placed in the town centre on November 4, has been criticized for its poor condition, with some calling it a ‘Temu special.’ The local council has also condemned the tree, referring to it as an ‘absolute disgrace.’

The tree, believed to have cost around £1.6k, was visibly in poor shape, with brown patches, drooping branches, and a lack of fullness. One passer-by commented, ‘Absolutely diabolical. It’s not even straight. There’s more dead in that than there is green.’ Another local, Jon Lilley, remarked that he had ‘seen better roadkill!’ while Shaun Taylor joked it was a ‘Temu special.’

A local resident added, ‘This was obviously supplied by Ebeneezer Scrooge. I wonder how many pennies this cost, what a state.’ Meanwhile, another person questioned if the tree had been kept from last Christmas.

Council Takes Action

Wisbech Town Council took swift action after realizing the tree was not up to standard. They reached out to the supplier and demanded a replacement. In a post shared on November 4, the council stated, ‘We have immediately been on to the provider and demanded a replacement.’

A spokesperson for the council explained, ‘The Christmas tree which has been delivered to Wisbech this year is not of the quality which had been expected by the council. Consequently, the council contacted the supplier of the tree to achieve a remedy to the situation.’

Terry Jordan, the council’s clerk, confirmed that the original 35ft tree had been replaced by a shorter one standing at 28ft. He described the new tree as a ‘very good healthy specimen.’ According to the supplier, the dry summer had affected the quality of taller trees, making it harder for them to absorb nutrients and water.

Mr. Jordan noted that upon inspection, they found some areas with dead branches and gaps in the original tree. He explained, ‘It’s a simple case of like when you order any goods that are not 100%, go back to the supplier.’ The supplier then sent a new tree, which has now been installed and is well-received by the council.

Other Christmas Trees Face Similar Criticism

The issue with the Wisbech tree is not unique. Other towns have also faced backlash over their Christmas decorations. For instance, Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree has been criticized for its ‘dead branches’ and ‘unwell’ appearance. Locals are questioning whether the tradition is still charming or if it has become a spectacle marred by poor quality.

In Cardigan, a £4000 Christmas tree has been called a ‘nightmare,’ with some suggesting it should be replaced with a natural one. Meanwhile, the iconic Trafalgar Square tree, gifted by Norway, has sparked annual drama due to its ‘unwell’ look.

Local traders in Wivenhoe are also suffering amid a stand-off over the town’s historic tree, highlighting the broader impact of such issues on communities.

As the festive season approaches, the focus on the quality of Christmas decorations continues to grow, with residents and local authorities alike demanding better standards.