by Will Davies Tightening purse-strings at the council had placed festive decorations in jeopardy this year, but community money has rescued Christmas for the residents. A 22ft tree and lights costing £3,795, will proudly take pride of pl

by Will Davies

Tightening purse-strings at the council had placed festive decorations in jeopardy this year, but community money has rescued Christmas for the residents.

A 22ft tree and lights costing £3,795, will proudly take pride of place on Harrow Road in Queen's Park thanks to funding out of the ward budget rather than the Westminster Civic Enterprise Fund, as in previous years.

Cllr Guthrie McKie hopes that the tree will be a focal point for all faiths at a time of year when Eid, Diwali, Hannukah overlap with Christian celebrations

Cllr Mckie said: "It is very sad to see that the council can't support a project that will bring so much happiness to North Paddington, particularly at this time.

"However the local Labour councillors thought it important to ensure that local people, particularly children, will see their area celebrating the festive season."

Paul Wash owns Four Corners Framing on Harrow Road.

He said: "I am very happy.

"It will bring a bit of Christmas spirit to the area, just what it needs."

But Cllr Melvyn Caplan, Westminster City Council's cabinet member for finance said: "Contrary to Cllr Mckie's claims, the council is in fact still paying for the Christmas tree at Harrow Road.

"The money is still coming out of the council's budget but this year the tree is being funded by the Neighbourhoods Programme instead."

w.davies@archant.co.uk