05 December 2008

Can the Newry and Mourne Council be serious what they have decided concerning our Christmas Tree. All other towns and cities on the island can erect their large Christmas Tree in a prominent place for the festive season.

It's just a downright disgrace that Newry is planning to erect an artificial bonsai tree halfway up a pole with us ratepayers the laughing stock of the country. Our house tree is nearly 5 Metres tall and it's real - only costs about £20, wise yourselves up

Nothing short of a proper real tree in place outside the Town Hall or in a very prominent area will suffice. The council were very quick in extolling the virtues of the new CCTV system which cost them an arm and a leg. If it's so good what is the problem putting the tree up at ground level for children of all ages to gaze at. Come to think of it is it not time to start removing the shutters from the shops and bring a bit of light to the centre of town? - CCTV will look after it!

Over 99 Percent of the people in this City are law abiding and are entitled to proper festive decorations in their proper place. The prospect of vandalism should be dealt with in other ways that don't interfere with everyone else. My suggestion for what it's worth is to delay the switching on of the lights to the 1st of December and with the money saved on electricity pay security Personnel to keep an eye on the tree for a few weeks.