There will be a little less Christmas cheer in one area of Wishaw this year.
Members of Coltness Community Council have taken the decision not to put up a Christmas tree this year due to spiralling costs which totalled almost £3000.
It is the second time in as many years the group have decided against installing a tree.
In a post on the group’s Facebook page, the community council stated: “It’s only early October and we have Halloween and Guy Fawkes’ Night still to take place.
“However, Christmas is at the front of the minds of Coltness Community Council and the subject of the Christmas tree!
“You will remember last year we made the decision not to have a Community Christmas Tree due to the cost and we felt we couldn’t justify it when there were so many families struggling.
“Well this year’s bill is a whopping £2854.81 (we have asked NLC for a breakdown of this cost however to date they have not provided it).
“We are sorry folks there won’t be a tree this year either. We are sad that it won’t be happening. There are no grants available and the Living Christmas Tree Initiative we signed up for won’t be up and running until 2025.
“Christmas trees are such an integral part of Christmas but so is the act of giving so due to the success of our Christmas Fun Day last year we will host another and we will release more details nearer the time.”
Community council member Angela Kyle added: “Christmas is all about giving and that will be our gift to the community this year.
“Last year our Christmas party went down a storm so we will hope for something similar this year.
“Full details will be released in the near future.”
The community council’s decision has received support from locals.
One woman posted: “You could buy a forest for less! Can’t wait to see the financial breakdown.”
Another added: “I think the fun day is a great idea. It was so well attended last year.”
Meanwhile the community council is continuing with its fortnightly larder during the months of October and November.
The dates for these are October 11 and 25 plus November 8 and 22. They will continue to be held in the hall of St Mark’s Church in Coltness Road.
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