Council: $23,100 fake tree safer than real

[The Straight Story]

Council: $23,100 fake tree safer than real


POOLE, England, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A British council said a $23,100 fake Christmas tree was erected in a town square because of safety concerns about using a real fir tree.

The Poole, England, Town Center Management Board said the 33-foot-tall tree, paid for by donations from local businesses, is safer and sturdier than the Norway fir trees traditionally put up in the city because it is less likely to topple over in strong winds, the Daily Mail reported Thursday.

Some residents have complained that the tree, which lacks branches and decorations, is pleasant to look at only when it is lighted at night. The object drew comparisons to a giant traffic cone or an object from space.

Richard Randle-Jones, Poole town center manager, said the tree was chosen after the real tree used last year generated complaints.

"This year's tree has been chosen by representatives of local businesses in the town and was paid for by a private-sector sponsor," Randle-Jones said.

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/11/26/Council-23100-fake-tree-safer-than-real/UPI-77181259270852/

[Berry Cool]

1. And that's what you get when you let only businesses and the private sector make your decisions.

You get a big fake thing nobody wants to look at, but people tell you it's "safer."

[anonymous171]

2. Private sector only cares about stability. nt

[Odin2005]

3. This is what happens when you let the lawyers run amok.