THE decision to replace the usual St John's Christmas tree has provoked a lively debate among Worcester News readers.

We reported on Friday how the council had decided to not put up the traditional tree and lights because of previous years' vandalism.

Instead, a new decoration of a star on a post was put up, with a number of readers being less than impressed.

On the Worcester News Facebook page, Annie Dunbar wrote: "I think St John's will become a ghost town eventually where everything will be owned by the university.

"I also think that the university should provide St John's with a Christmas tree."

Dave Harford wrote: "The star looks ok but to be honest, it’s not a tree and doesn’t look overly festive.

"Sad times, a few crappy vandals can ruin it for everyone else."

Sarah Rawlings said: "Absolutely shocking! My 6 year old son was gutted we had no Christmas tree in St John's."

The council said successive incidents of vandalism meant a tree was not viable, with this decoration being brought in as a result.

Trish Yarwood wrote: "I watched the new decoration go up and knew this would be the case.

"We always used to drive past that tree and it was obvious every time that mindless idiots were vandalising the lights.

"Who are the parents of these people?

"Parents should have to work alongside their offspring and physically repair any damage caused by vandalism.

"Maybe then people would think about instilling a bit of responsibility into these kids when they’re bringing them up.

"Such a shame the minority ruin it for everyone."

The city council has confirmed an existing tree on the roundabout will instead be decorated with lights and a brand new star feature.

The giant festive decoration has been a target for vandals in recent years while residents have been critical of its decoration, with some branding previous attempts "pathetic".

In 2018 the council forked out hundreds of pounds on repair works after the lights were pulled off the tree by vandals, damaging the tree in the process.