A Butt Lane Christmas Tree has been given thumbs up by local residents after Councillors intervened to improve it.  In December 2012, contractors were accused of ‘sloppy workmanship’ after throwing up a string of lights to cover a 12ft Christmas tree.  Butt Lane Councillors led a local campaign to push the contractors to put the problem right. 

Following on from meetings in the summer between Officers, Councillors and the contractor a better quality tree and lights have been put in place. 

Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Elsie Bates  and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Mike Stubbs jointly released a statement: “Butt Lane should have a Christmas tree to brighten up the area.  It’s only fair, because Kidsgrove Town Centre has numerous festive lights and Butt Lane doesn’t.”

Kyle says: “The Tree is a million times better this year and we deserve a decent tree in Butt Lane.  I am pleased Newcastle Borough Council has decided to put us first and it shows they do care about the thoughts of our local residents.  I am now working to have some weeding and tidying up done around the patio area over the next few days.  I also would like to put a star or angel on the tree but I am not sure if I can reach because the tree is so big.  You can see the new lights twinkling all the way down Cedar Avenue.”