RISHTON is to get its third living Christmas tree.
Two trees were planted in the town last year in a bid to drive the cost of festivities down in the long-term.
It has now been decided that a third tree will be planted at the Turrets garden in time for Christmas.
Rishton councillor Ken Moss said: "We looked at planting on The Espanade but to be honest there is nowhere fully suitable as each flower bed is used to capacity and makes a nice display all year round.
"It would also have cost a small fortune to run electrical cabling that far from the main utilities loop so it was just a non-starter unfortunately.
"The Turrets was therefore decided on as the best place and now all three areas of Rishton will have a tree."
The two existing trees, in Parker Street and High Street, were branded 'a laughing stock' by residents who complained about their six-foot size.
They have both been targeted by vandals since being planted last November.
Two new sets of lights have had to be bought, and figurines for a crib need to be replaced.
And Coun Moss said the cost of Christmas in the town, in excess of £1,500, meant there was no money for trees over shops as in previous years.
He added: "It is a shame that the Christmas budget isn't as big as it was but we need to be practical about this. We were spending well over £2,000 every year for about a month's worth of decorations and that isn't sustainable."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel