Residents in Norwood ward are already getting into the festive spirit with the arrival of an early Christmas present.
A huge Christmas tree has been installed on Bispham Road courtesy of the ward’s councillors who have funded the tree and its lights. The lighting will arrive this week ahead of a switch-on event this Friday.
It’s part of a plan to bring more of a village feel to the area, improving community spirit and pride and hopefully boosting local business.
Cllr Greg Myers organised the tree’s arrival and is leading on the wider project. He explained how it’s a long-term goal that’s been realised: “My colleagues Mhairi Doyle, Carran Waterfield and I agreed to use our ward funds to pay for this and it’s fantastic to see the Christmas Tree going up in preparation for the switch-on event next Friday.”
“The event organisation is being taken care of by The High Park Project who we work with a lot and who do a great job. They also kindly contributed the fencing around the tree.”
“That’s been constructed by Green Sefton’s wonderful Natural Alternatives project which is an excellent Sefton Council work and training scheme for adults with learning difficulties. They are the same team who did the lovely planters as part of our Bispham Road Improvement Plan.
“The tree is an important part of this project to bring some much-needed TLC to the area and create more of a village feel and community spirit. Living here, it’s been a long-held ambition to see the area thrive and to see a tree back on Bispham Road.”
“It’s a wonderful local community but talking to residents and business owners here they often felt it was a bit forgotten, as other parts of town seemed to get more resources and attention. As the ward councillors, Mhairi, Carran and I are doing what we can to change that.”
“Judging by the brilliant reaction to the tree from our residents here, it’s starting to work as they are delighted with it. It’s a corker and the council have done us proud.”
“I certainly think the tree has also already got us a fair bit of attention. I realise other parts of town may be casting some envious glances presently but they have a living tree which will grow and become part of their community hopefully, which is a really lovely thing in itself.”
“I am equally sure they are glad for us here, it’s the Christmas spirit after all.”
“I’d like to invite residents from across town to come along to next Friday for the switch-on. There’s carol singers, the wonderful Salvation Army band, craft stalls and more thanks to the hard work of the High Park Project.”
“The event starts from 5pm, with the switch on itself from 6pm.”
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