For five years it has been the subject of great criticism and debate. But love it or hate it, the artificial festive tree in Ipswich has seen its last Christmas in the heart of the town centre.
This December will bring the much-anticipated return of a real tree to the Cornhill thanks to business improvement district Ipswich Central, which has agreed to supply one until 2021.
However, the white electronic look-alike is sticking around - and it needs a new home.
Ipswich Borough Council is asking readers to have their say on where they want to see the artificial tree placed in the coming years - it could be the Waterfront, Stoke Bridge or Civic Drive, for example.
The move comes after resident Sylvia Mitchell last year spearheaded a campaign calling for the removal of the fake tree, dubbing it an “eyesore” that “ruins the spirit of Christmas in Ipswich”.
Today will see the final festive decorations in Ipswich pulled down and the high street returned to normality.
Every year it costs the borough council around £20,000 to install and maintain the Christmas trimmings following a major investment in 2012 in the electronic tree and fresh lights.
A council spokesman said: “Retailers have reported a bumper year for sales and we look forward to this continuing next Christmas.
“We welcome the investment by Ipswich Central in buying a new traditional tree and associated lights on the Cornhill for 2017 as this will enhance still further the experience for residents and visitors alike.”
Where would you like to see the artificial Christmas tree go? Leave your comments below.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here