New Tettenhall tree is planned to cut costs at Christmas

The tree would be located on Upper Green and community leaders hope it would become a centrepiece of the festive celebrations.

Currently, a crane is needed to put up and take down the tree each year, costing up to £600.

Tettenhall ward councillor Jonathan Yardley said planting a new tree would cost about the same amount – and after that the only expense would be the upkeep.

Local traders are now being consulted on the plans before a decision is made by Wolverhampton City Council later this year. Tettenhall District Community Council has already backed the idea.

Councillor Yardley said it was not yet certain whether the tree would be in place for this Christmas as there is still a "slow-moving process" to go through. But he added: "We feel this would be a good thing for Tettenhall.

"It would be paid for by the money saved by not having to get a crane and flat-bed truck every year to set up the tree. At the moment they have to dig a hole and wedge it in but this would make things much simpler.

"Residents thought it would be a much greener solution and it would be good to have the tree there all year round."

Hundreds of residents turned out in freezing temperatures to see Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Christine Mills turn on the lights last December. The switch-on often boosts trade in the village, with businesses staying open late. It is hoped a new tree would help establish Tettenhall's celebrations as among the best in Wolverhampton.

Stephen Robinson, of Robinson's Butchers, which has been trading in Tettenhall High Street since 1980, said: "I think it's a good idea.

"It shows some practical thinking to save some money, which is good."