Give Harefield a tree for Christmas

In recent years the village has lacked any substantial Christmas decorations, while in contrast, nearby Ickenham has a large lighted tree every year.

Harefield Councillor Henry Higgins has already pledged his support and says he is the man who can help make it happen.

Speaking to the Gazette last week he said: "Let's do it, its a good idea, it should not be too much of a problem to get a tree, we just have to look at how to decorate it."

Funding for the tree would be available through Harefield's new annual ward budget, which funded the hanging baskets in the High Street.

The plan has also backing the support of the Harefield Academy, based in Northwood Way, Harefield, with senior teaching staff discussing the plan and offering support.

Pauline Crawley, chair of the Harefield Tenants and Residents Association, said: "It would be a lovely idea, we have discussed it in previous years but nothing was done about it.

"Obviously we would not want it to be vandalised so it should be sited in view of CCTV cameras."

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Councillor Higgins added that he was looking into securing a permanent fixture to hold the tree, meaning it would not just be a one off, but could be re-introduced every Christmas.

Atul Sodha, who runs Londis, in Moorhall Road, Harefield, said: "I think it is a brilliant idea, I'm up for it we need to get as much support for the idea as possible.

"In truth I'd like to see two trees, one in the south of the village as well, I don't know how possible that would be."

The biggest threat to the tree going up would be in the form of Health and Safety 'Grinches' who may scupper the plans if any lighting is deemed to be unsafe, but inventive ways of decorating the tree are being looked into.

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