March Cambridgeshire's 'wonky' Christmas tree sparks debate

Opinion has been split about the town's tree, which was installed in Market Place by the town's Christmas lights committee.

It has since been the focus of debate on Sky News, BBC News and The Jeremy Vine Show. Radio Cambridgeshire's John Devine has even made up a song about the tree.

Responding to the "wonky" criticism on social media, the volunteer-run March Christmas Lights committee said "it's luck of the draw as to the quality of the tree that we receive".

The Christmas tree in March Market Square (Image: Cambridgeshire Constabulary)

They added that they did not get to physically choose the tree, and that they cannot afford to pay for a new one. 

And with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place this evening Friday, they said it would have been too late anyway. 

They also said that, next year, the tree's new location "should mean that we will be able to fence off the tree and as its fenced off, we would then be able to add extra lights lower down". 

It comes after the committee acknowledged the mixed feedback in a Facebook post on November 10, writing: "Response on social media appears to be mixed. 

"While all feedback is noted, we endeavour to make improvements to the three, switch-on event and lights.

"Can we humbly suggest if you're truly not happy, that you consider becoming a volunteer safety steward.

"Or consider joining the Christmas lights switch-on committee, so that you can help to make the necessary improvements." 

The March Christmas Lights committee explained that, due to previous vandalism and theft of lower-level decorations and lighting, the tree "will again look bare at the lower level". 

They added that, because of the current tree location and its proximity to the path and highway, the committee "cannot install barriers around the tree to help prevent vandalism and theft".