A NEW 30ft Christmas tree has been put up in Clacton town centre after tree half the size was declared “not man enough for the job”.

The oriringal tree was donated by the Federation of Small Businesses, but it was axed after one day following complaints from shoppers and traders.

Now the has been replaced by one twice the size thanks to sponsorship from sea defence consultants Mott MacDonald and another donation from the Federation of Small Businesses.

Peter Halliday, leader of Tendring Council, is pleased the situation has been resolved in time for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on on December 7.

He said: “It was kind of the Federation of Small Businesses to donate the original tree but it was sadly not big enough for the size of the location .

“With the type of weather it would have to withstand for more than a month it was simply not man enough for the job.

“However, credit to them, the FSB has come back with a further donation of £200 and Mott MacDonald has contributed a very sizeable £785 for the type of tree we normally have in Clacton.

“Christmas is truly back on in style and I thank them both for their help with this.

“I am sure the people of Clacton really appreciate the gesture.”

A woman who lives in a flat overlooking the tree was so impressed she has donated a star for the top.

The tree will remain in the town square until the New Year.

The original 15ft tree will be donated to a charity.

Pete Serghiou, who runs the Olde Sweet Shop in Pier Avenue, Clacton, said: “The new tree is much better.

“If the town has TV presenter Jeff Brazier turning the lights on we needed something a little bit better than the original tree.

“It’s a shame it took for people to moan and complain for us to get a decent tree.”