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Christmas tree a 'disappointment to Southend'

Kingdom of Trees A ma is stood holding a green 13ft christmas tree. Behind him is the controversial High Street tree which has bare branches.Kingdom of Trees
Kingdom of Trees said its contribution, although smaller, was much healthier-looking than the main one on the High Street

A Christmas tree supplier has donated one of its trees to a city centre to "replace the one looking close to death".

Kingdom of Trees, based at Garon Park, said it had donated its last 13ft tree to "the the people and the city of Southend".

Shoppers said they had been unhappy with original tree on the High Street which some thought lacked decoration and colour.

One visitor, Garry Garland, said he came to the city centre especially to see the Christmas tree, and described it as a "disappointment to the people of Southend".

Steve Hubbard/BBC Garry Garland is looking at the camera and not smiling. He wears a black coat, red top and gold chain around his neck. He also has a grey and black woolly hat. He is stood in front of the controversial tree.Steve Hubbard/BBC
Garry Garland said he was "absolutely horrified" when he saw the city centre festive fir

Mr Garland said he had been in Málaga and saw how well Spain celebrated the winter holiday.

After flying to England, he made a visit to see the Southend tree.

He said: "I must admit I'm absolutely horrified. It has got no lights, about 14 baubles and is very much a disappointment to the people of Southend."

On 7 December, the Southend BID business group posted a "lovely shot of our Christmas Tree" on social media, with the branches still full of needles and wrapped in fairy lights.

Steve Hubbard/BBC Marejka Darcy-Rampling is smiling at the camera while standing in front of the controversial tree. She has long blonde hair, star earrings and a black coat on. Steve Hubbard/BBC
Marejka Darcy-Rampling thought the tree was embarrassing compared to other cities

Marejka Darcy-Rampling shared a similar view, adding other cities, like Liverpool, had "fantastic" trees.

She said: "I think it's a total embarrassment. This twig of a tree looks like it's half dead... this is just pants, a load of rubbish... I'm ashamed of Southend."

A spokesperson from Kingdom of Trees shared the news via social media that they would contribute a Nordmann Fir to the city.

They said: "Due to the Christmas tree in Southend town centre looking close to death we decided to donate our last 13ft display tree to the people and the city of Southend."

Steve Hubbard/BBC A Christmas tree in Southend high street. Around its base are vertical wooden planks which resemble a barrel and are taller than a person. The tree is very tall but does not have much greenery or decorations. Many of its branches are bareSteve Hubbard/BBC
People have been unhappy with the current tree in Southend-on-Sea

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