RESIDENTS have spoken of their upset that there is not a Christmas tree in Leigh town centre this year.

In previous years, a tree has been placed on the flat-roof section of the town hall. And before that it was tradition for it to take centre stage in the town square.

The tree was badly damaged last year when it blew down during a spell of bad weather. And the decision was made not to replace it this year.

One resident said: “I am well aware of the demise of the old tree that was sited on the flat-roof section of the town hall.

"But what continues to sadden me is the lack of pride in our town and the decision not to bother with a replacement tree.”

The Christmas decorations in Leigh town centre are funded jointly by Wigan Council and Leigh Town Centre Management Group.

Mike Matthews, Wigan Council’s town-centre manager, said: “Unfortunately the Leigh Christmas tree blew down and was badly damaged last year during the January gales.

“Since then, the roof of Leigh's town hall has been renovated and fixing points for the tree have been removed.

“The cost of buying a new tree and fixing it safely on to the roof has been estimated at £7,000. Sadly, funding for this is not easily available.

“Local councillors are working hard to find a solution to raise the necessary money for next year. "They are considering reducing costs by hiring Christmas lights in future.

"Currently, putting up the lights and hosting the Leigh Christmas lights switch-on costs more than £30,000.”

Cllr Myra Whiteside, chairman of the management group, said that officials are doing what they can to try to make sure there will be a tree in the town centre next year.

She said: “The fixtures that secured the tree to the town-hall roof have been removed as part of the work that has been taking place.

“So on on top of the £7,000 cost of a new tree, which is bespoke so would have to be made, we would have to do a risk assessment which would cost another £1,000.

“We looked at getting a real tree for the square but most would be too small or it would take up too much room for the events that are held there.

“We are looking at a new contract to provide the Christmas lights in Leigh and hope we can get a tree included in that.”