Hartlepool’s town centre Christmas tree is to move to a new location this year following an 875 signature petition.
Civic centre chiefs have confirmed the festive tree will sit in front of the Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Square, on the pedestrian area heading towards Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.
Hartlepool Borough Council leader Cllr Pamela Hargreaves said the move means the tree will be in a “central location” and be “visible to everybody who drives through our fantastic town.”
It had previously been placed behind the gallery, which is located in the Christ Church building, on the small grassed area opposite The Ward Jackson pub.
The petition
Last year Rossmere resident Denis Lindridge launched an online petition calling for it to be moved to a more suitable spot – arguing it was difficult for groups to gather round and it was not in a visible enough location.
He was campaigning for it to be located near the war memorial in Victory Square and his petition attracted 875 signatures in total.
Mr Lindridge said he has “very mixed feelings” about the news the tree will move – admitting it will “definitely be in a better place” but arguing his suggested location would have been more appropriate and popular with residents.
In a video announcing the move, Labour council leader Cllr Hargreaves said: “Where we put the Christmas tree in Hartlepool is a very emotional issue and we all have our views about where it should be.
“We know that last year lots of people made their views known on social media and wanted us to move it from behind Christ Church where it had been placed for a number of years.
“This is all part of us responding to the things that you tell us, as a listening council, and it’s all part of us restoring that pride that we all have for our town of Hartlepool.”
She added it means people can “all stand around” the tree and “enjoy Christmas carols and get into the festive spirit.”
Mr Lindridge said although he is happy the tree is moving, town residents should have been given a say in its location as it is “our tree.”
He added: “I’ve very, very mixed feelings. At least it’s moved.
“It’s definitely in a better place but it’s not in the best place. It’s not ideal.”
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