South Down MLA Seán Rogers has said thank you to the team work by local SDLP workers and community partners for getting a new Christmas tree in Castlewellan after the original one was broken by Storm Desmond.
Mr Rogers said: “In the aftermath of Storm Desmond it looked like Castlewellan was going to be without a Christmas tree this year. The high winds had split the original one installed by Castlewellan Regeneration Ltd and it had to be removed.
“People were clearly upset. The Christmas celebrations here are important to local traders and the community. Along with fellow SDLP representative Cllr Laura Devlin, I decided we had to try and resolve the situation.
“The Forestry Service offered a second tree for free but then we found out the Council had no money to pay for it to be transported.
“However I’m pleased to say that following some negotiations and seasonal goodwill, the new Christmas tree for Castlewellan is being picked this morning (Tuesday) and will be brought down to the town centre to be decorated once again. We encourage everyone to come along when the lights are being turned back on again and bring back our Christmas cheer!”]]>
