‘Unsafe’ tree is taken down

TIMBER . . . council workers remove the tree

OLDHAM Council has removed a 20ft Christmas tree from Failsworth Pole because of safety reasons.

The decision was made yesterday afternoon after fears the giant tree, which has been vandalised by yobs, may fall and injure someone.

Jill Waite, manager at Pole Travel on Oldham Road, Failsworth, said she was disappointed that council workers could not straighten the tree, which was leaning at a dangerous angle.

She said: “I phoned the council to come and sort it but they’ve removed it altogether.”

Oldham councillor Mark Alcock said: “It’s sad that a small number of people have damaged something which brings so much joy to Failsworth.”

The council has promised to replace the tree as soon as possible.