BEXLEY Council is putting up a Christmas tree in Welling after a community group failed to use a grant for decorations.

Last year the Welling Town Partnership used the £2,000 from the council on a 20ft tree with lights in Welling High Street however this year the grant has gone untouched.

Frustrated traders and residents have questioned why there are no Christmas decorations in the area.

A Bexley Council spokesman said: "The Welling Town Partnership has been given access to a grant for this kind of use but at present the funds have not been used.

"As Christmas approaches and to acknowledge the completion of the Welling corridor public realm works, we have taken the decision to purchase a Christmas tree for the town, along with tree lights and barriers.

"In fairness to other towns in the borough that have used their grants for Christmas decorations, we plan to use funding for this from some of the Partnership grant." 

A spokesman for Welling Town Partnership was unavailable for comment.

The tree will be up by the end of the week at the junction of Welling High Street and Danson Crescent junction.