Donation sees tree relit in time for big day

By Connie Osborne Thursday 27 December 2012 Updated: 31/12 09:28

CHRISTMAS spirit swept over Redditch after a town store generously offered to replace festive lights stolen from a tree in Batchley.

Heartless thieves left staff at Batchley Support Group 'heartbroken' and 'devastated' after the lights were taken overnight last Wednesday (December 19).

As the Standard reported last week chairman Maureen Muckle called for the lights to be returned with the cost of having to replace them and then an electrician put them up, estimated to be about £500.

But after hearing the news, staff at B&Q based in Smallwood decided to donate left over packs of Christmas lights to the group, along with baubles.

A Batchley electrician also volunteered to install the lights last Friday (December 21) meaning they were shining bright in time for Christmas Day. Children from the area also helped to hang decorations on the tree.

Mrs Muckle said: "I'm so grateful for everyone's help, particularly to B&Q and the gentleman called Mark who put the lights up for us.

"There's some wonderful people out there and it's heartwarming to see people come together and help.

"The tree looks wonderful and I couldn't be happier with it. It's fantastic news and now the community can enjoy the tree once again."

Coun Pattie Hill, who represents Batchley, said: "Everyone has come together to get the tree back on in Batchley. I'd like to call it the Batchley spirit."

A spokeswoman for B&Q said: "We’re pleased to be able to help spread some festive cheer in Redditch this year with the donation of our Christmas lights. We value our local community and try to help local groups and schools whenever we can."