Visitors enjoying the recent melting temperatures in the quaint Yorkshire market town of Beverley have a question for the local authority there — why is the Christmas tree still up?
The tree apparently remains standing defiantly in the town centre, six months after it should have been taken down. It was put up in the Wednesday Market end of town last November to mark the festive season and it was scheduled for removal after Twelfth Night – but with summer in full swing, it remains firmly planted in its spot, its once-green foliage now an autumnal copper colour.
However, there is a reason the tree is still standing, officials have revealed. Beverley Town Council officers say that shortly before it was due to be taken down, a wood pigeon began nesting there, leaving them with an unusual dilemma.
READ MORE: Only 14 percent of our rivers are in good ecological health, says Hilary McGrady
Once the nest had been spotted, it would have been against the law to disturb the tree and it might also have been contrary to the spirit of Christmas, given that birds were now calling it home, it was reported on the news website Hull Live.
Councillor Alison Healy, who chairs Beverley Town Council’s planning environment and services committee, said: “When members of the public reported that birds were nesting in the tree, the Town Council realised it had to follow the law and leave the tree in place so as to not disturb them.
“As time has gone by, the once green needles of the tree are now copper in colour, but remarkably very few have fallen off, so it is still thick with foliage.
“However, because people have been understandably asking the Town Council why we have not removed it yet, notices have been placed on the tree explaining the situation”.
Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is against the law to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. The Town Council is working with East Riding Council, which will monitor the situation and remove the tree once it is satisfied that the nest is no longer in use.
So for now the tree remains, still adorned with its fairly lights, though looking a little forlorn.
Speaking to BBC Look North, Cllr Healy added: “Whilst some people may think we’ve forgotten to remove the tree, Beverley Town Council wants to assure them that this is not the case. We are fully aware of the situation and simply have to adhere to the law.
“In the meantime, we hope the birds enjoy their temporary town centre, high-rise residence.”
