It has been brought to the attention of the parish council that there have been very unsupportive comments on Facebook regarding the position of the Christmas tree in Long Sutton Market Place.
After a full parish council meeting some three years ago a resolution was made to re-site the Christmas tree into the closed churchyard, where an attractive natural conifer tree was in place.
Not only was this done for environmental reasons, it was also carried out on health and safety grounds, due to the tree being vandalised in the past, complaints that the tree was too small/too large or falling over.
Whilst in its original position, the tree could only be illuminated above eight feet and it also impaired the view of traffic using the unofficial route to access the Co-op by passing the memorial rather than using the correct junction turning, particularly on market day.
There were also problems sourcing a tree, disposal of it, the lack of volunteers required to erect and dismantle the tree and the need for road closures to carry out this process.
The electrical work was completed and the tree was completely illuminated for the first time last year.
The parish council received many favourable comments.
The illumination of the tree also enhances the beautiful St Mary’s Church and includes the church in the annual festivities.
By doing this and having the grotto in the church it brings back more of a traditional Christmas compared to the more commercial approach in previous years.
The parish council are in the process of costing illuminating the war memorial where the
Christmas tree stood in past years to provide a permanent focal point for the town centre and the council look to move forward with this project in the New Year.
It saddens me, and all members of the council, that the minority use social media to make such negative comments when ALL in
Long Sutton should be aware of the parish council address, telephone number and email address should they wish to make an official complaint. The council do not operate or respond to social media.
This negativity does not help parish councillors who volunteer, freely for the benefit of the community.
However, the parish council do respond to positive or constructive comments and we do act of behalf of the majority of the community and will again this year be prepared to give our free time to ensure the town has a wonderful day on December 9 at the Annual Christmas Activities Day.
Councillor Dale Frith
On behalf of all members of Long Sutton Parish Council
