'Tower of Pisa' Christmas tree removed over safety fears

Everyone enjoys getting a bit tipsy during the festive period, but this tree might have taken it too far.

A 35ft Christmas tree in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, was removed by authorities because it leaned "more than the tower in Pisa" and was raising safety concerns.

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Severe winds had caused the tree to tilt and news of its removal caused almost immediate concern there wouldn't be another one in time for Christmas.

But, following brief concerns that the festive season would have to be cancelled, the council pulled through, narrowly side-stepping the "Scrooge" label.

Beeston was first plunged into festive crisis when the supports holding the wonky tree in place were removed twice, Broxtowe Borough Council said.

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"It is with a heavy heart that the council will have to take down the Christmas tree in Beeston Square," the authority said in a statement

"Sadly, someone has removed its supports on two separate occasions which have left it damaged in the ongoing strong winds and it now poses a potential safety risk to members of the public, particularly with the severe weather warnings in place for the weekend."

People visiting the town centre have said the wonky tree needs to be righted or replaced.

Adam Guest, 20, from nearby Chilwell, said: "I've seen people look up at it and they're practically laughing at it because it's so slanted.

"From one angle it does look like it's leaning more than the tower in Pisa.

"It just looks a bit tragic really."

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