SHOPPERS trying to get into the festive spirit have been left disappointed by the absence of a Christmas tree in Wharf Green.

For the first time in a number of years, bosses at town centre business group inSwindon BID Company have decided not to furnish Wharf Green with a festive tree, blaming vandalism in previous years.

Marjory Pollitt, 68, from Gorse Hill, was particularly saddened by the decision.

Speaking as she was on her way to the train station to see her grandchildren in Gloucester on Friday morning, she said: “It’s a shame they haven’t bothered to put a tree up this year.

“It’s supposed to be Christmas, you surely have to have a Christmas tree at Christmas. I think it would have made the area look a lot better.”

Another shopper, Mike Wright, 55, from Pinehurst, said he thought this year’s Christmas decorations left a lot to be desired.

He said: “There are a few lights here and there, but walking through Wharf Green you wouldn’t think it was Christmas.

“I don’t see why they couldn’t have put a tree up at the very least.”

But, in an effort to respond to people’s concerns, inSwindon explained that they decided not to erect a tree in Wharf Green this year due to it being vandalised three times last year.

The company also defended its choice of Christmas decorations.

An inSwindon spokesman said: “InSwindon BID Company is very proud of the new Christmas decorations in the town centre this year, which have been purchased on behalf of the businesses.

“There is a variety of decorations the length and breadth of the town centre which are complimented by the decorations in the Brunel Shopping Centre and Regent Circus, who both have Christmas trees displayed.

“The Wharf Green area has a new LED Star and lights in 6 trees to decorate the area.”

When asked what he thought of this year’s town centre Christmas decorations, one unnamed man said: “I don’t care – I hate Christmas anyway.”