A CHRISTMAS tree described by many Leigh residents as 'pitiful' when it was erected outside the Town Hall is to be replaced this week.

A new 25 foot tree has been ordered to replace the 15 foot 'privet' which was put into place on Friday.

The tree, paid for by Leigh Business Partnership, has faced criticism since it was put up, but now the Town Hall Square is to get one which is much more impressive.

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of Leigh Business Partnership, said: "We realised too late that the tree was far too small and it has been criticised, so we we are having it replaced as quickly as possible.

"We could have had a really big tree if we had more cash, but we can only work within our budget.

"We could have done a lot more if some of the big names who have businesses in Bradshawgate had seen sense and helped us promote the town even more, but many stores are managed and they don't seem to have the same incentive as local firms.

"Some firms and banks we approached didn't even have the courtesy to reply to us, so we are even more grateful to those who did."

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