Tree-mendous!

Easter is over so we can all now look forward to Christmas can’t we?

OK, perhaps we are still a bit soon but Welshpool has been delivered an early Christmas cracker and it’s a clear two-finger gesture to those who have ruined our public festive celebrations in the past.

A giant Christmas tree will return to its traditional location outside of the Royal Oak, back after more than 10 years since vandals caused numerous health and safety issues.

But the decision has been made not to let the minority spoil everyone's fun with the local Rotary Club supporting the town council’s Tree of Light venture.

“There will be a real tree positioned there once again,” said a town council spokesperson. “It was stopped because of vandals but if we stopped everything because of that then nothing would get done.

“The reason for the re-introduction is suggestions from our residents. We now have CCTV cameras covering that area so that should counter the vandalism threat.”

Welshpool hires its Christmas lights every year which ensures top quality displays that would cost up to £50,000 if they were bought.

Officials are also negotiating with the suppliers for an illuminated 'Welcome to Welshpool' sign to also be used this year, along with a new Father Christmas unit over the Town Hall entrance.

There is no news yet about from where the Christmas tree will be sourced.