Magic Roundabout Christmas tree becomes a festive flop

8:00am Monday 8th December 2008

By Ben Perrin

CHRISTMAS cheer turned into a big festive ‘oh dear’ after Swindon Council’s attempt to put up a giant tree on the Magic Roundabout splintered before workmen’s eyes.

Attempts to line the huge tree into position at the centre of the town’s iconic landmark hit the buffers because it was too tall to sit in its concrete base.

A 40ft tree had been ordered by Swindon Council – but one 49ft tall was delivered instead.

Workers still tried to accommodate its height, but when it was lowered into position, the wooden structure inside the base snapped, halting the operation.

Traffic flowed the conventional way round the roundabout in one big loop for several hours yesterday morning as a crane was shifted into position to lift up the tree.

“We don’t fail, but we have today,” said the council’s play and landscape officer Dave Hunt.

“But the overall height meant we couldn’t get it upright enough to get it to pivot and drop into the base.

The Christmas tree was returned by lorry to the Waterside depot in Cheney Manor and another attempt to erect it will be made later this week.

It means tonight’s planned Christmas lights switch-on at the site has been postponed.

Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh, the man behind the ambitious plans, was told of the failed operation by the Adver.

He said: “This is very disappointing news. The tree is sponsored and all ready to be put up but I guess these things happen. I will do what I can to get it sorted out as soon as possible.”

Passers-by were less than impressed when they found out the tree wouldn’t be put up.

“Nothing fails to surprise me in Swindon at all,” said Simon Andrews, 29, of the town centre.

“You would have thought an operation of this size would have been planned well in advance and to the smallest detail.

“It’s a shame for Swindon it won’t be going up. Let’s hope they come back, have another go and be successful.”

Henry Lewis, 24, of Old Town, added: “It’s unbelievable it can’t go up today. But when it does I’m sure it’ll look pretty good – although I hope it’s not too distracting for motorists.”