Work to start on Melton’s new Christmas tree pit with disruption expected

Melton Borough Council is carrying out the work, from October 15 to October 30, because the existing pit is no longer structurally sound and does not now meet health and safety requirements.

Contractors Jeakins Weir will excavate the pit and install steel tube and a concrete base in Market Place, with the tree’s location being moved across the square nearer to Boots and the area paved around the tree.

There will be a large site compound occupied by the building firm because of the need to store machinery and have sufficient space to excavate the land without causing too much disruption to the site area.

The council say there will be an increase in traffic from both the workforce and the delivery of materials which may cause some disruption on Leicester Street for limited periods of time but there will be no restrictions on acces to the town centre.

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Leigh Higgins, said: “Although we understand that this will cause some disruption in the town centre, we are aiming to keep this to a minimum.

“On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, there will be no loud groundwork taking place and no work is to be carried out on Sundays.”

He continued: “This short project will allow new, secure infrastructure to be put in place that will last for years to come.

“This work, coupled with our work on the Christmas lights, will ensure that our community can continue to have fantastic and inviting festive celebrations within the town centre, becoming a Christmas destination of choice that attracts visitors and boosts our local economy.”

The construction work will take place between 7.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional works happening from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, if necessary, and there will be no works on Sundays.

Once the new infrastructure is completed, preparations will begin to install a Christmas tree on the new site, in preparation for a smaller than usual, festive celebration in the town during December due to coronavirus restrictions.

Councillor Higgins added: “This is an exciting and vital project for the town.

“As part of our new corporate strategy we want to ensure Melton is an area where the community comes first, a place that invites people to live, work, visit and invest in.

“During the preparations of this work, we have been in contact with our partners and we really appreciate the support and efforts of the local businesses at this time, as well as the understanding of the community.”

Anyone with concerns or queries about the work can email [email protected] to find out more from the council.