A COMMUNITY’S Christmas tree has not had a great start to the festive season after first being battered by a storm and then being targeted by vandals.
Parish councillors in West Auckland have twice contacted county officers after the Christmas tree that was installed at St Helen Auckland was found to be leaning to one side.
The tree has been put up during the past few years by Groundwork North East and Durham County Council through funding from an area action partnership.
Oliver Graham, of Groundworks, said: “This year it has had a tough time unfortunately.
“Within a week of it going in a storm came through and it was leaning a bit. The council’s team came out and straightened it. Then some mindless idiots have tried to climb up it and again the council’s team have been great.”
He added: “It is up and looking resplendent at the moment and hopefully it will bring some cheer to the residents of St Helen Auckland for the festive season.”
Paul Gleadow, street lighting and operational support manager at Durham County Council, said: “We try to create as much festive magic as we can at this time of year by helping communities like St Helen Auckland to light up their Christmas trees. When we received a report that the tree was leaning, we organised for our crews to straighten it. Unfortunately, the tree was later targeted by vandals which meant we had to carry out the work again. We would like to thank the people of St Helen Auckland for their patience and wish them a Merry Christmas.”
