PEOPLE in a Notts town were left bitterly disappointed after the civic Christmas tree was delivered and turned out to be no more than a ''twig''.
Cotgrave folks have been up in arms over the tree's ''feeble'' appearance.
They have demanded that Cotgrave Town Council replaces it before Friday night's Christmas lights switch-on.
An online campaign to replace The Precinct's conifer has also been launched and has so far resulted in an anonymous £250 donation towards a new tree.
Shocked resident Alan Southern, 58, contacted the Nottingham Post after he saw the tree.
He said: "I noticed the tree on Saturday night when I went to get my fish and chips.
"I saw the tree and just stopped, I couldn't believe it.
"We have a tree every year and it is usually a real triumph. This is the first time it's looked like this. I wouldn't even call it a tree.''
The council confirmed that the tree was put up in The Precinct last Thursday and that the lights switch-on alongside a Christmas fair would take place on Friday from 3pm.
Mum-of-three Kelly Cyrek thought the tree would let down the otherwise well-run festivities.
She said: "The lights switch-on is normally something to look forward to with the older generation getting together to put on stalls and carol singers performing Christmas songs.
"I don't think it will be quite the magical event it normally is."
She added: "The tree is rubbish compared to what there normally is and a lot smaller.
"It just looks feeble and it would be nice if it could be replaced."
Businesses overlooking the precinct have also been left disappointed by what will be their view for the next six weeks.
Cotgrave Fish Bar manager Christina Nicola said: "The tree is horrible and I am very disappointed.
"There are hardly any branches on it and it just looks like a twig.
"If the council could replace it that would be good because my shop is right opposite it and it's not very nice around Christmas to be looking out at that all day."
The Post contacted the council but no one was available for comment about the quality of the tree.
