Tree-mendous support from Council workers

Published: 15 December 2020

Parks and Green Spaces team workers saved the day when they went to the aid of a community and helped to install a Christmas tree.

Staff from our Parks and Green Spaces team jumped at the chance of helping the community at Gras Lawn in Exeter.

The 16-foot Christmas tree is situated on council-owned land at the development and is maintained by the residents.

It was then down to TV celebrities Judy Spiers and Gus Honeybun to do the honours and switch on the Christmas lights on a socially-distanced evening.

Resident David Greensmith said the local community set up a support group to help people through the COVID experience back in March.   

“This was our way of supporting the community - making sure everyone was safe and had sufficient shopping and any medical needs,” added David.

“With Christmas looming and wishing to keep everyone’s spirits up, we set about seeing how we could brighten up our community.”

“The last year has been difficult for so many people, so we agreed to ask the Council for permission to erect a Christmas tree. We were delighted that ECC not only agreed but offered to help with the placement of the tree in the ground.

The community rallied around and funded the tree and the lighting.

David added: “Community is at the heart of what we do and Exeter have always supported us, thank you Exeter City Council.”