THE former leader of Darwen Town Council has suggested a tree is planted in the town in a bid to save money at Christmas.

Steve Duncan, of Park Road, has told Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Kate Hollern that it would end the need for a Christmas tree being erected annually in the town centre.

He said: “Every year I see a truck turn up in Darwen and at least three men erect the Christmas tree on the green in the town centre.

Then come January they turn up again to take it down, and presumably shred it.

“If you drive through Waterfoot towards Bacup, there is a large planted tree that is decorated and looks fantastic.

“There is no erection or taking away.

“Why doesn’t Blackburn with Darwen Council actually plant some trees that could grow, saving costs in the long term and being far greener than erecting harvested trees?”