TOCKHOLES parish councillors are considering their options after being informed the borough council will not provide its Christmas tree next year.

The village’s Christmas tree had its lights switched on at an event on Friday night.

But the parish council said it had been advised by Blackburn with Darwen Council it would be the last year they could provide a tree.

Tockholes Parish Council chairman Glynn Woon said the council would be looking at other possibilities for next year and beyond.

He said: “One suggestion we have had is to plant a tree.

“The borough has supplied the tree for as long as I can remember and it is a nice little bit of village life.

“To be honest, I am not overly worried about it as we can and probably will plant one.”

But Mr Woon said there were some concerns over power and insurance. He said: “We don’t want to run into a problem like insurance if someone goes and electrocutes themselves.

“And another issue comes with the electrical supply, as there is one right next to the tree that the council uses.

“We want the right to connect to that.

“The loss of the tree isn’t a major thing but it would seem Blackburn with Darwen Council has now withdrawn everything that is withdrawable from Tockholes.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration Dave Harling congratulated Tockholes Parish Council on the suggestion it may grow its own tree. He said: “Our Your Call campaign encourages people to work with the council to improve our borough following the unprecedented cuts to the council budget.

“I am delighted that Tockholes is considering this fantastic idea which saves money and is environmentally friendly.

“The council supports a wide range of Christmas activities, including trees, for locations across Blackburn with Darwen.

“No decisions have been taken about next year’s budgets, this will happen in the New Year once we have more clarity from the Government.”