A St John's Christmas tree relentlessly targeted by vandals will not be returning this year. 

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.

A fence was even erected around the tree in an attempt to block vandals from causing further damage.

Worcester News:

A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “The city council has invested more than £30,000 in festive lights, decorations and trees to entice more visitors to Worcester this Christmas.

"In addition to decorated trees by the Cathedral, in St. Andrew’s Gardens, Gheluvelt Park and in front of the Guildhall, we’ve also installed 24 lit trees above shops and businesses throughout St Johns to help create a festive atmosphere in the area. 

“The large, permanent tree on the St. John’s roundabout will be lit up and a brand new star feature has been added.

"Vandals have targeted this location in the past, which is why we have opted for a different approach this year.”

Worcester News:

However, Councillor Richard Udall is less than impressed with this years' decorations.

He said: "What a pathetic excuse for Christmas decorations in St John’s this year, we don’t even get a Christmas Tree.

"After all we have been through we really deserved a bit better.

"We need to bring the fun back, for goodness sake, bring us a tree!"