There has been an angry reaction on Facebook to the quality of the Christmas tree display in Tron Place in Largs.

Maureen Lang described it as ‘An absolute disgrace’ and asked ‘How come the tree on the roundabout at Kilbirnie always looks way better?’.

Ellie Henderson labelled it is a ‘sad sight’, and Ali Louise Williams echoed those thoughts: “How embarrassing.” Rikki Casmara commented: “Lovely festive barriers, can anyone donate a tenner to buy better lights?” And Tommy Tc Cummine raged: “If that was in the house my little girl would be in tears.” Wilma Miller suggested: “We could make a better effort to put prettier lights on. We could start a wee fund for lights next year and maybe some red bows or something.” April Findlay added: “What a poor looking tree, give it life for goodness sake!” Suzanne Muir said: “If you’re going to make it sparkle more could you move it to the other side of the road so it’s not blocked out by the tree growing in front of it.” And Largs businessman Les Ward suggested that the other tree beside it should be lit up, similar to the trees in Ardrossan Civic Centre.

In response to the criticism, a spokesman for North Ayrshire Council stated: “We supplied and installed the Christmas tree which is on display at Main Street, Largs.

“The tree cost £150 and is decorated in five sets of lights which cost £500.

“The barriers are placed around the tree in the interest of public safety. However, following a recent inspection we have decided to remove the safety tape from the barriers in order to improve the appearance of the tree.”