The year's Christmas tree in one town in North Wales will remain unlit and undecorated with brown needles already falling off.
The council in Connah's Quay, Flintshire, have admitted the so-called "vandal-proof" tree, has "not fared well" this year.
Its dire state has prompted some locals to commend the council for going green and "recycling last year's dead tree", North Wales Live report s.
Local pride took a dent at the sad state of what is supposed to be a showpiece tree.
In a statement, the council accepted that the tree "does not look healthy" but argued that it was not dead.
Connah's Quay has a history of bad luck with its Christmas trees.
In 2017, the town council invested in a modern, wigwam-style tree costing £300, however within days it had been destroyed.
The replacement tree that was donated quickly saw its lights ripped down twice, which led to councillors deciding to switch off the lights before Christmas.
This wasn't the first time either as just weeks earlier the town's metal framed tree was torn down too.
This year's rooted tree was planted in response to the vandalism in the hope it would stand up to the test.
“Due to the vandalism in previous years, it was hoped that a rooted tree would be safer, and also kinder to the environment,” said the town council.
It's unquestionably been a difficult year, and Connah's Quay's Christmas tree seems to have felt it too.
While some on social media have understandably condemned the tree as a "shame", others have applauded town councillors for doing what they can in tough circumstances.
No carol singing or school visits will be held around the tree because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The council is trying to use fertiliser to revive the weary tree.
“In time we hope it will thrive to become a focal point of positivity at Christmas,” said the council.
The tree will not be lit this year but the council has pledged to “look at other options”.
It will also consider longer-term solutions based on public feedback.
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