Wonky Christmas tree gets the chop over safety fears

A Christmas tree that leans "more than the tower in Pisa" is to be taken down over safety fears.

The 35-ft tree in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, has been left with a slant following severe winds and will be removed today.

The authority had previously warned residents it may prove "very difficult" to source a new tree before Christmas, but has now said a new one will be installed on Monday.

Broxtowe Borough Council said supports which hold the current tree in place have been removed twice.

Strong winds over recent weeks have left the tree at an angle and council staff have now deemed it to be a risk.

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

"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."