Councillors hail vandalism-free Christmas display

Councillor Peter Davison at the Castleton Christmas tree in the snow earlier this week.

Ward Councillors in Castleton have hailed this year's Christmas tree and lights display a success because, for the first time in years, they were not ruined by vandals.

Previous years have seen vandals steal or damage the decorations to such an extent that, at one point, the Council considered axing Christmas trees altogether.

Councillor Peter Davison said: "I am delighted to see this year’s Christmas Tree display in Castleton has passed without any major vandalism or theft taking place. There was a point around 6-7 years ago that our Council seriously considered scrapping Christmas trees across the borough in light of the huge amount of damage that was taking place due to mindless vandals."

Children at St Edwards Primary School provided decorations to place around the Castleton tree in the hope that children would take more pride in the Christmas display and vandals would be deterred.

Now that the twelfth day of Christmas has passed, Councillor Davison has reminded residents that they can go along to one of the council’s designated Christmas Tree Collection points and recycle their old Christmas trees.

He said: “Last year we managed to recycle over 3000 trees which in turn saved over 12 tonnes of waste from going to landfill. The service is entirely free and is a safe, green way for residents to dispose of their Christmas tress.”

Residents can recycle their trees at the following collection points:

Rochdale

Gordon Riggs Garden Centre, Kingsway
B&Q, Sandbrook Park
Cronkeyshaw Common (bottom of Joy Street)
The Strand (next to recycling banks)
Bolton Road (open space near Manley Road)
Recreation Ground, Norden (off Hutchinson Road)
Norden Road, Bamford (opposite shopping precinct)
All-in-One Garden Centre, Manchester Road, Castleton
Grassed Area, Bentley Street (opposite Clarence Street)
Broadfield Park (bottom of Sparrow Hill)

Middleton

Alkrington Woods Car Park (opposite Golf Club)
Kirkway (just off Grimshaw Lane)
Boarshaw Road Open Space (opposite number 351)
Truffet Park, Bowness Road (car park)

Pennines

Halifax Road (off Howarth Green)
Canal Street, near Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough
Milnrow Memorial Park, New Hey Road (by car park)
Harehill Park (car park next to play area)

Heywood

Hopwood Recreation Ground, Middleton Road
Sports Centre Car Park, West Starkey Street
Higher Lomax Lane Open space (opposite number 25)
Queens Park, Cricket Club entrance (car park)