No return for bauble tree to Ipswich Waterfront after storm

The tree originally took pride of place on the Cornhill when it was bought for £100,000 in the run up to Christmas 2012.

The baubles being put up last year - there were 41 covered by 40,000 LED lights. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

It had 41 baubles lit by 40,000 LED bulbs and has pride of place outside the Town Hall for five Christmases - but many people said they would prefer to see a real tree on the Cornhill.

In 2017 the decision was taken to bring back a real tree to the town centre - and a new home was found for the bauble tree outside the University of Suffolk main building on the Waterfront.

The baubles were brought down by Storm Henk in January. (Image: Kie Humprhries)

It was up again last Christmas - but in January it was brought down by Storm Henk. Borough staff took it away to see if it could be repaired in time for this year.

However a spokesperson for the borough said it was damaged beyond repair and would not be replaced because they were concentrating on Christmas decorations in the town centre.

Local ward councillor John Cook said the baubles had never been bought for the Waterfront site - but they had been a popular addition to the area.

He understood that the baubles had already been in use for longer than expected when they were first delivered.

The baubles' first home was on the Cornhill. (Image: Archant)

He said: "It was something that created divided views when it was on the Cornhill but was liked on the Waterfront - but the site where it went up was always a bit of wind tunnel and we saw the result of that in January."

Local businessman Kie Humphries works in the area and saw borough staff removing the damaged tree after the storm.

He said: "I always liked it there. It really brightened up the place. It's disappointing that they weren't able to repair it."

The land that the baubles occupied is shared between the borough, the county council's Highways Department and the university.