It is often the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations, but there will be no tree in Mosgiel this year, much to the disappointment of one Mosgiel Taieri Community Board member.
When considering a funding application by the Mosgiel Business Association for Christmas decorations, board member Brian Miller questioned why the board did not spend the money on a tree.
"That's what Christmas is about," he said at this week's board meeting. However, the board had already decided against putting up a tree in Mosgiel's main street after criticism over the condition and appearance of last year's tree.
Fellow board member Martin Dillon described the display as "totally embarrassing". He believed the business association's initiative showed it was "taking the right attitude".
The association was granted $1980 towards the purchase and hanging of tinsel and solar powered lights. Window dressing would be funded by individual businesses. Mr Dillon believed the fact the association would buy, hang and store the items was an extra "incentive" to fund it.
The association, after discussion with the board, indicated in its application a Christmas tree display, and the funding required to achieve one, was a "high priority" next year. However, that still did not impress Mr Miller, who argued it was a "commercial venture" and did not support the granting of funds.
