A petition calling for a traditional Christmas tree to be reinstated as the focus of Ipswich’s festive celebrations will be submitted next week after exceeding its 1,000 signature target
Sylvia Mitchell, 52, started the campaign last month after claiming the white artificial tree, which has been used for the past four years, “ruins the spirit of Christmas in Ipswich.
The mother-of-four, who works as a supervisor at Rushmere Hall Primary School, said people in the town she had spoken to were nearly all in favour of returning to a more traditional tree.
She first decided to organise the petition after reading angry comments on social media about the artificial tree.
“They don’t like the white one at all,” she added.
“I’ve spoken to several people who have stopped coming into town at Christmas because they dislike it so much,”
Ms Mitchell will be presenting the petition to Ipswich Borough Council on Tuesday after 2pm. “I just hope they listen,” she said.
Nearly half the petitions have been submitted via an online poll, with others collected at locations around the town, including the newspaper stall in Cornhill, Mannings pub, the One Stop shop in Penzance Road, Kesgrave, and Ipswich Town Football Club’s training ground.
People can search for “Sylvia Mitchell” on Facebook to take part the online poll. She suggested that if a traditional tree is reinstated it could featured decorations made by local school children.
What do you think? Should Ipswich have a traditional Christmas tree this year? Leave your comments below or send an email via this link.
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