12 December 2023 , 23:13
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Residents of a town in Lancashire have branded the Christmas tree that was put up outside their local shopping centre as "pathetic".
The eight-foot tree was erected by Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) outside the Arndale Shopping Centre. But locals have been left disappointed at the festive decorations, which they found underwhelming compared to those in Lancaster, where an ice rink, a ferris wheel and a Tipi Bar were put up ahead of Christmas.
Frustrated passersby described the tree as "depressing", "dismal" and "an embarrassment" with some saying the town "shouldn't have bothered". Others have even taken it upon themselves to add their own baubles and tinsel to the tree in an attempt to brighten it up.
But Morecambe BID have defended the Norwegian Fir, saying the tree is the same as every year, reports LancsLive. There is also a free light display decorating the promenade which will remain in place until the Baylight Festival 2024, which takes place during the February half term.
John O'Neill, Morecambe BID manager, said: "The tree is the same as it is every year and we have never had complaints before. It is a plain Norwegian Fir, which we put lights on, but it is never intended to have decorations.
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"Some people have chosen to decorate it with a few baubles, but they have only done half the tree. It was never meant to be decorated - it is a very nice tree as it is." In neighbouring Lancaster, Dalton Square hosts Lancaster on Ice, where visitors can enjoy family ice skating sessions, ride the Big Wheel and enjoy food and drinks at the Christmas Market.
However, this event is privately organised and visitors are charged admission fees to take part. Mr O'Neill said: "People jump to conclusions about how these things work. We have put 24 very prominent LED cones down the Promenade as well as the tree, and it is all free for everyone."