A CHRISTMAS tree in Ross-on-Wye which has been at the centre of an internet furore has been tidied after it was called a “disgrace”.

The tree, which is sponsored by Ross-on-Wye Rotary Club, was put up last week ready for the lights switch-on on Sunday.

On the Ross-on-Wye Noticeboard on Facebook the tree caused concern for some residents of Ross who said it was a “disgrace” and were unhappy with the shape and lights missing from the bottom of the tree.

Ross town councillor Craig Morgan hit back at the criticism in a post on the chat room on Facebook.

Cllr Morgan said: “I was the person who on the day was calling the shots of where they went on the tree. Not the council, me alone so any expressions on concern regarding placement on there please aim them at me direct.”

The retained firefighter said that he put the lights higher because: “your average toddler is about two to four foot.”

He added: “It’s a choking hazard. (And before anyone says health and safety has gone mad - unless you have seen a child that’s accidentally hung them-self with your own physical eyes then STFU!)”

Cllr Morgan encouraged anyone who fancied decorating the tree next year to get in touch and said he was fed up with people criticising the council without knowing what they do.

Since the Facebook post the councillor, who is the youngest on the council at age 25, took the opportunity to announce he was leaving Orles Barn, which he has run with his wife, Cath for two and a half years.

He said on Facebook: “With Cath carrying our second child and various other things regarding the hotel we have decided it is time for us to move on.”

The hotel is in Ross and their last day of trading is December 31.

Yesterday it was announced on the Ross discussion page that Cllr Morgan and fellow Cllr Richard Mayo have tidied up the tree.

Cllr Morgan said: “The initial plan was when I had more time I was going to go back to the tree. It was a rush for Sunday and once I had more time I was going to go back and trim it up and fix it up and move the lights down.”

He said he was disappointed by the reaction of the public as town councillors are volunteers and have to fit in council work around their jobs and family life.

Members of the public are encouraged to place baubles on the tree but to make sure they are tied to it, so they are secure. 

A spokesman for Ross Town Council said: "The town council is sorry that some local residents feel disappointed with the tree and lights this year. 

"A lot of effort and time was spent by the events committee coordinating this along side the Christmas Fayre. A small number of councillors worked incredibly hard to organise a wonderful event on Sunday that was enjoyed by many hundreds of people.

"It was fantastic that so many organisations, businesses as well as private individuals helped to make the event such a huge success.

"The comments and feedback about the Christmas tree will be taken on board and lessons can be learned. 

"Many of those involved have given up their time freely to work together in efforts to make town look nice for Christmas and they should be applauded for their community spirit. Ross has an abundance of people willing to volunteer so let's hope this can be harnessed towards an even better effort next year."