Councillors have called for a re-vote on the decision to spend £7,500 on Louth Christmas tree, saying new information has come to light since the decision was made.
Supporters however said this was not entirely true, with the majority of the tree’s frame made in Britain with British Steel. They also argued the tree would produce lower carbon emissions over a 10 year period.
The decision to buy the tree was approved by a vote of 10-8 at a recent town council meeting.
Now, Councillors Dawn Jackman, Andrew Leonard and Darren Hobson have called in the decision to the next extraordinary meeting of the authority on Tuesday, September 17.
Councillor Leonard told Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Jaines: “I think they made a great mistake on purchasing this tree. Subsequent to the decision new information has been gathered.”
How the tree might look lit up.
According to Councillor Leonard, Louth Town Council has a six month buffer on votes in which time they can be recalled.
“It’s a chance to rescind the decision,” said Councillor Leonard who, along with Councillor Makinson-Sanders, visited the tree’s suppliers prior to the meeting.
“It’s an opportunity for the public and town council to review the situation, and if they choose to vote for it then it’s on their head.”
He said new information included add-on costs previously thought unnecessary, including the hire of machinery to erect the tree, storage and “other minor details that make up a lot of information we weren’t aware of originally.”
Councillor Jackman, who had been absent for the previous vote, had her own concerns including the costs to deal with anti-social behaviour or damage to the tree.
The council has also been contacted by a local tree grower who has provided evidence against the use of the plastics in the tree.
Councillor Leonard said there had been a strong swell of public reaction.
The meeting starts with a public speaking session at 6.45pm.
SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!