Supplier arranged for St Helens and Earlestown's Christmas trees

In St Helens and Earlestown, Christmas light switch-on events are organised by St Helens Council, and the trees have been previously supplied by Rainford's Christmas Trees and paid for via sponsorship from partners such as regeneration contractors.

It is understood that Rainford's Christmas Tree land will again supply the trees in St Helens and Earlestown this year, and the council says it is working on securing sponsorship to cover the costs of this year's main events.

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Last year's Christmas tree in Church Square (Image: St Helens Star)
Although the St Helens and Earlestown are organised by the council, the rest of the borough's Christmas tree events are community-led projects and often organised by community groups or parish councils.

Although the council can help fund the tree costs via a Ward Councillor Grant Scheme, which grants individual councillors up to £2000, the 'Councillor Improvement Fund' which was previously used for social projects like this is no longer available due to reported financial pressures and budget cuts.

This is why councillors were asking businesses to help with the festive costs in Newton-le-Willows, as the cost of Newton's event costs more than the pot of money available in the scheme.

With Newton councillors pooling together £2,500 in funding, local businesses such as Aman's Indian Restatuant, Zerizza takeaway, The Kirkfield Hotel and restaurant, Scarlett's Walkies in the Willows, and MSG Tyres raised more than £3000 to ensure the festive event could go ahead this year.

If other councillors decide to use ward funding on a festive project, this does not necessarily need matched business support unless the cost of the event is higher than the funds available.

Businesses in Newton have helped to fund their Christmas tree project (Image: Cllr Gomez-Aspron)
A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “Christmas trees form an integral part of festive celebrations which we have arranged to be installed in St Helens and Earlestown town centres once again this year through a top-class local supplier as a way of creating a joyful atmosphere for the benefit of residents and businesses alike.

“As in previous years, the council will reach out to partners and contractors working on schemes in the borough in a bid to secure sponsorship to cover the cost of the trees as part of our social value policy.

"Ward councillors can submit applications on behalf of eligible community or voluntary groups for a grant that improves community wellbeing and this can include support for festive celebrations.”