MEMBERS of the Well Christian Centre have stepped in to help save the idea of Rockwell Green having its own public Christmas tree this year.

Wellington Town Council had agreed to install a tree in a suitable location alongside the main Exeter Road.

It followed a public survey about Wellington’s Christmas lights where people were supportive, but some complained Rockwell Green seemed to have been forgotten and did not even have a tree.

Last year, the council for the first time put up a second Wellington Christmas tree for Tonedale, near the former Fox’s woollen mill, in addition to the one which is traditionally sited in the town centre.

The council’s town centre committee was told that using Exeter Road for a Rockwell Green tree was a ‘no go’ plan.

Town clerk Dave Farrow said: “Officers have made every effort to find a suitable location on Exeter Road as previously requested by the committee.

“However, Somerset Council will no longer approve the addition of sockets to lighting columns to power the lights on a standalone tree installation.

“To establish a new mains connection would be complex and potentially very costly.”

Mr Farrow said it was suggested instead that a tree could be put up at the Well Christian Centre, which had agreed to the idea in principle.

Sean Pringle Kosikowsky, a member of the town centre committee but not a councillor, said: “I think the Christian centre would be a good spot for Rockwell Green to have its own Christmas tree.”

Cllr Janet Lloyd said: “We have talked about the Christian centre before, rather than having a tree on the main road.”

Cllr Chris Booth said: “We have looked at putting a tree on Exeter Road and it cannot be done, so this is a good plan B.”

Cllr Mark Lithgow said: “A Christmas tree should be in a city centre, town centre, or village centre – not out on a busy main road.”å

The matter is expected to be settled at the town council’s monthly meeting on September 4.