SWLEtree - By Ashley Pemberton

A town's Christmas tree has been branded a 'shambles' after only its bottom half was decorated because health and safety officials said it was too high to safely light the top.

The partially-decorated pine in Bailiff Bridge, West Yorks., was slammed by residents and one councillor dubbed it 'the worst in the north'.

Calderdale Council, the authority responsible for lighting the festive fir, said the natural tree had gown 'significantly larger' and it wasn't safe to reach its highest sections.

But Conservative councillor George Robinson described it as a 'shambles' and locals fumed that after two years of Covid regulations, they'd hope for some festive joy.

Mr said: "We've had a torrid year with Covid and lockdowns, we just want a Christmas tree to enjoy.

"It's a shambles, the worst Christmas tree in the North."

Ex-Halifax rugby league ace Jamie Bloem fumed: "After the two years everyone has gone through, a Christmas tree to bring a bit of cheer is a necessity.

"It would be a bit of colour in an otherwise dull time. And now with tighter restrictions, I think a bit of cheer would be great right now."

Margaret Bates said: "I've just driven past this. I thought there must be a fault in the lights. Please tell me it's not meant to be like this - it looks ridiculous."

Dave Cocker quipped: "Who was decorating it, Warwick Davis and Mini Me?"

One wag online quipped: "Bailiff Bridge's pledge to reduce their carbon footprint has been put in to force."

While another said it was the 'most depressing Christmas tree decorations in the UK'.

However, Matt Bell was quick to defend the council, saying: "People be laughing at health and safety restrictions are the same ones suing the council over sh*t that happens to them."

The Labour-controlled council said it provided trees and decorations to bring "some festive cheer to towns and villages".

The tree remains in place all year round and was decorated as in previous years, it said.

But council added the tree had grown significantly larger and due to safety and accessibility the decorations were "spread amongst the lower branches".

Cllr Jenny Lynn, cabinet member for public services and communities, said: “We provide Christmas trees and decorations across Calderdale to bring some festive cheer to our towns and villages, and we wish all our residents a very happy Christmas.

“The tree in Bailiff Bridge is a naturally growing one, which remains in place all year round and is now several years old.

"We have decorated the tree this year, like we have in previous years.

"As the tree has grown significantly larger over time, and due to its location, it is no longer safe or accessible to decorate the highest sections of the tree, as they can’t be reached by any maintenance vehicles.

"Therefore, this year we are only able to decorate the lower branches.

“Next year we will ask local community groups to nominate another, more easily accessible tree, for a much fuller decoration.”

ENDS