Hattersley’s Christmas lights switch-on went ahead on Friday with a new festive fir taking pride of place, after the town’s tree was branded the "worst in the country".

Hattersley’s ‘living’ tree sparked controversy due to its "shocking" appearance and was mocked on social media, ultimately making national
headlines. Residents complained that the tree was "an embarrassment to the community", likening it to a "twig".

The tree was planted five years ago by Tameside Council outside the ‘The Hub’ on Stockport Road, with the hope it would become a
living Christmas tree, to be used for the light switch-on each year. Such trees are more sustainable than cut trees, which have to be discarded after use.

However, Tameside Council has now placed the ‘living tree’ into care, replacing it with a cut tree for last Friday’s switch-on event. A spokesperson for the council said: “A cut tree was supplied for the Hattersley Christmas lights switch-on last Friday, where families enjoyed a fantastic, volunteer-led event full of community spirit at Hattersley Hub and featuring festive stalls, food and drink, funfair rides, music and dancing, and a visit from Santa.

"The existing living tree has been relocated to an orchard for nurturing and care.” 

Longdendale Councillor Jacqueline Owen took to social media herself to respond to the negativity, stating on online community groups: “We’ve tried to grow a sustainable tree, sadly unsuccessfully. To be clear, there isn’t a budget for the Christmas event in Hattersley.

“The councillors with community groups work together to provide a Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, entertainment and food for the community. We are all happy to work with any interested parties to make it a better event.”