Christmas won’t be the same in Cambusnethan this year.
And local councillors are asking why it should be the only local area without a Christmas tree.
Independent councillor Robert McKendrick has been left disappointed with the council over removing Christmas lights from its budget and is hoping one can be paid for and put up as the festive season gets into full swing.
He said: “Having no Christmas tree for Cambusnethan this year is extremely disappointing.
“This whole tree issue has been a complete and utter shambles after North Lanarkshire Council stating in the budget there would be no Christmas lights and no Christmas trees in our towns or villages.
“In the months of September and October I was continually told that would be North Lanarkshire Council’s position this year. Then all of a sudden November arrives and the u-turn is there.
“We have four villages in the Murdostoun ward. Three of those villages – Newmains, Cleland and Coltness – have trees but Cambusnethan has not. That is completely wrong.
“Where is delegated powers when we really need them?
“I have £1735 in my community grant budget. A tree apparently costs around £1900 and I would gladly put all my grant budget money towards that but we have a policy where our groups can only receive £1000 for any application.
“We are in unprecedented times. Why can we not all work together, put the politics out the window, delegate when required and change the policies?
“We have to treat my constituents fair and equal, get the village of Cambusnethan a Christmas tree and make sure there are no ‘gatherings’ at the tree.
“I look at the agenda for the next Policy and Strategy Committee with the heading ‘Delivering for Communities’ and all these wonderful things that are going to happen. I seriously have my doubts following the trees and lights fiasco.
“I know North Lanarkshire Council need to look after our towns but our villages must not be left out of things.”
SNP councillor for the Murdostoun ward Cameron McManus has also backed calls for a tree in Cambusnethan.
A council spokesperson said that if community groups raise funds for trees and lights, the council will help put them up and test them.
She added: “The decision not to provide Christmas trees and festive lighting this year was taken as part of the council’s budget setting process in February; one of a number of difficult decisions to make necessary savings and allow the council to continue to provide other vital local services.
“Local organisations are able to apply for £1,000 per year of community grant funding to deliver various projects in their area, with agreement from local elected members. The limit is set to allow a variety of organisations and projects to share the available funding.”
