The big switch! Plug pulled on Rotherham town centre Christmas tree as replacement is brought in

The festive feature turned up in town over the weekend and drew a mixed response from social media users but had been removed this morning as a replacement turned up on the back of a lorry.

Christmas lights won’t be switched on until next Saturday but on first inspection, the original tree a much wider specimen than last year’s effort, and had certainly found favour with a flock of pigeons who were happily roosting among the branches this week.

Advertiser social media followers gave the bare tree a mixed reception this week, with the reactions ranging from supportive to scathing.

However, we won’t get to see how the fully-dressed tree would have looked as it was being replaced today.

Rotherham Council has been contacted for comment on the switch.

The Christmas lights switch-on will run from 3pm to 6.30pm next Saturday and feature live music from ska band Jungle Lion and singer Hannah Roe, “walkabout” entertainment, a gift market, fairground rides and refreshments.