People in a village in Merseyside have criticised their area's festive display after the Christmas tree was replaced by one they say looks "even worse".
Blake Maynard, who lives in Birkdale village, Southport, in the borough of Sefton, took to a local Facebook group to rant about the tree earlier this month.
After he compared the "excuse of a Christmas tree" to a "beanstalk" and another person asked if it had been "dragged out of the canal", Sefton Council agreed to replace it.
A council spokesperson said the local authority had been in touch with Birkdale Civic Society, whose members look after the tree, to let them know what they thought about the new one, the Liverpool Echo reports.
However, it looks like the issue has not been resolved as locals are still unhappy with the display.
Posting on Facebook earlier today, the Civic Society said: "Well what can we say?
"After a very long battle with Sefton Council to get a replacement tree, and after being assured our offer to pay towards a substantial tree was ‘unnecessary as you will receive a like for like, and appropriate replacement’, we are heartbroken to see that this is what they have deemed suitable for our amazing village.
"We are trying to take this issue up with the council but for now we ask you all to support us by contacting your local councillors and MPs to express how disappointed you are.
"Whilst it isn’t their choice on what tree we receive, they have the power to ask the right people to explain this awful decision."
One person replied to the post: "Are they having a laugh? This is a basic house Christmas tree."
Another added: "This one is even worse than the first!"
Sefton Council said the new tree was "carefully chosen" after "community feedback".
A council spokeswoman said: "The new tree, a Nordmann fir, was carefully chosen following community feedback that a traditional style Christmas tree would be preferred over the previous tree that sadly failed.
"This species is most widely used as a Christmas tree and gives the most recognisable festive shape.
“The smaller size of the replacement tree means that it has the best possible chance of establishing in its urban environment.
"It has been specially selected to ensure that its root system can fit in its permanent position in Birkdale and flourish for many more festive seasons to come.
“The Council continues to be in contact with Birkdale Civic Society regarding their replacement living Christmas tree.”
Birkdale Civic Society is currently trying to raise £2,000 to "bring back Birkdale's sparkle".
The money would be used to replace existing lights in Birkdale, to "give the village an all year glow".
