Mixed reaction to town centre Christmas tree

The lights won’t be switched on until next Saturday (November 19) but the festive feature turned up in town over the weekend.

On first inspection, it appears a much wider specimen than last year’s effort, and 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.

On Facebook, Diane Goodlad said: “Great!!. A lot better than last year. At least they made more of an effort this year.”

Patricia Elliott Nie Towriss added: “Looking forward to seeing it decorated, it should look lovely.”

Diane Makin was also enthusiastic, saying: “It does look lovely, a full tree and will be gorgeous once decorated at least we're making an effort.”

But Andrew Woodcock was less impressed, saying: “Where did you get it from Poundland?”

Victoria Phillips quipped: “They’ve brought last year’s tree from tip site”, and

Sarah Wheeler branded the tree “About as pathetic as town centre.”

Ivy Walton, however, was prepared to look on the bright side, saying: “Be glad that we have one and stop complaining for god’s sake.”

Rotherham’s Christmas Lights’ Switch-On will run from 3pm to 6.30pm next Saturday and feature live music from ska band Junge Lion and singer Hannah Roe, “walkabout” entertainment, a gift market, fairground rides and refreshments.