10:00am Tuesday 6th January 2009
IT’S 1,821 against one – but at least there is someone who likes the Magic Roundabout Christmas tree.
The famous fir, which will be felled this evening, has attracted almost 2,000 members to a Facebook page in opposition to it.
But one Shrivenham Road resident said she would be sad to see the back of the 49ft seasonal spruce.
Wendy Lee, 63, said: “I think I will miss the tree when it has gone because when I open my bedroom door there it is, when I look out of my landing window there it is.
“I know it has not been popular with everybody but I think it brings a bit of colour and life to the Magic Roundabout.
“We went out there when the lights were first turned on and I thought it was really nice. The picture in the Adver was brilliant and we bought a copy for my son.
“People didn’t like the lights but I’ve seen in the paper that they’re going to do something about it next year. I see the Magic Roundabout every day and I think it’s a great idea to do something different with it.
“It is something that Swindon is famous for and I think all the memorabilia they did for it – like the key rings and t-shirts were a really good idea.
“This is another way of making the most of it and I can’t understand why people are so negative about it.
“I suppose a lot of them are worried about the cost - but it’s been paid for by V-Cars and another company, so I think people should give it a chance.”
The Facebook page, devoted to the festive fracas, Stop Swindon Raping Christmas, with 1,821 critics, has become a beacon for bile against Swindon Council and its attempts to inject some seasonal cheer into Swindon’s most famous landmark.
But council leader, Rod Bluh, has also had his say on the story, leaving a message to express his frustration.
“I do not regret it for a second. It is easy to be critical but it is harder to make things happen,” he said.
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