Tiny public Christmas tree in Muswell Hill sparks ridicule

It may be London’s healthiest high street, but Muswell Hill is also home to one of the capital’s tiniest public Christmas trees.

At about 8ft tall the puny spruce, erected last week, barely peeps over the wooden fence that surrounds it, prompting ridicule on social media.

A resident said: “MH has gone all out with this centre piece. Must be at least 6ft!”

Another, Viola Sampson, added: “How are we all going to fit under that to sing carols?”

After the criticism it received over its appearance, the tree was later spruced up with decorations and given new barriers.

The tree was put up in St James’s Square by volunteer group Muswellife, who had planned a 15ft tree but were forced to scale back due to the health and safety and insurance costs involved.

The group said: “Whilst we have a slightly smaller than hoped for tree, we have one!”