There will be a little less Christmas cheer in one area of Wishaw this year.
Members of Coltness Community Council have taken the decision not to put up a Christmas tree this year due to spiralling costs.
Volunteers have also stated it would be wrong to ask members of the public to raise money for the tree during the cost-of-living crisis.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the community council state: “It is with regret that CCC announce that we made the decision not to have a Christmas tree this year.
“We know that many, like us, will be disappointed. The main reason is we feel we cannot justify spending money on a tree when so many people within our community are without heating and food.
“Therefore we have decided that we will donate the money to buying food and having a community larder nearer Christmas.
“The cost of supplying transporting and installing the tree is approximately £1800. We, as a community, receive a grant of £600 towards the tree and the rest is funded by us.
“Two years ago you all contributed towards your tree with donations, last year the community council paid for it.
“We, as your community council, feel that at this time of hardship for so many, it would be very unfair to ask you the community to fund a tree.
“Instead we will give to our community, as it is the season of giving and hopefully we will be able to help those who need it. We hope you understand.”
Community council chairman John Carr admitted it was a tough decision but he and community council members were left without any option.
“I know one family who don’t eat for two days per week in order to save money,” said John.
“That should not happen in Coltness in the 21st century.
“We couldn’t ask people to donate to a Christmas tree when they are struggling themselves this Christmas eating and heating their own homes.
“We hope that by donating money to a larder it will help people over the next few weeks.”
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