It's not yet December but the Christmas tree is coming down in Devizes (From This Is Wiltshire)

It's not yet December but the Christmas tree is coming down in Devizes

1:58pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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The Christmas tree in Devizes Market Place was a victim of the strong winds overnight.

After inspecting the 40 foot tree this morning Devizes Town Council officers decided it was unsafe and parks staff cut it down in sections.

The Christmas lights switch on will go ahead as planned on Friday as a replacement tree is due to installed today.

Sarah Todhunter, clerk of Devizes Town Council, said: "There was a split in the trunk from the base of the tree 30 feet up and halfway through the wood and we could not leave it there as it was potentially dangerous.

"When we took the decision this morning that it had to come down we didn't know if we could get another tree. But Longleat have been fantastic and found us another tree. The installers of the Christmas lights were due to be in Leicester today on another job but they rescheduled so they can fit the lights on the new tree later today and the haulier has rearranged his schedule to bring the tree from Longleat. We would like to thank them all for helping us, we are very grateful."

Mrs Todhunter said it was the first time the town council had taken down the Christmas tree because it was unsafe.

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