Herne Bay's new Christmas tree dubbed 'worst in the world'

Herne Bay's new Christmas tree - replacing one dubbed the worst in the country - has been slammed as the worst in the world by campaigners.

Council bosses bowed to public pressure after a week of criticism about the tree in Mortimer Street and the town's lights display, and the original sorry specimen was uprooted and replaced yesterday.

But the new tree - due to be decorated with lights and decorations made by town schoolchildren later today - has not won many admirers.

Barry Field, from the group set up to fundraise for a better display last year, said: "We no longer have the worst Christmas tree in England, they have replaced it with the worst Christmas tree in the world."

The tree was funded by a grant obtained by Herne Bay Town Partners, and spokesman Gideon Scott said the money also included festive community events such as carol singing and a brass band. He added:

"I think it has been blown out of all proportion. In these austere times, things like trees are a luxury."

Council spokesman Rob Davies said the tree had been stored lying down and the branches needed time to settle and drop into position:

"The new tree has gone in and it will be decorated today with lights and the children's decorations."

He said there would be no more comment on the issue of the tree.

thisiskent LCrudgington