CARDIGAN’S long-standing Christmas tree has finally been removed – after standing poised like a sentinel in front of the town’s Guildhall for the past four months.

Covid-19 restrictions delayed the tree’s removal which was further held up by claims that woodpigeons had built a nest in its branches.

Under the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act, it is illegal to move wild birds' nests.

So long-suffering town mayor Cllr Clive Davies – who had observed with mounting dismay how the tree was turning brown and shedding its needles - was forced to undertake a last-minute investigation to establish whether it could at last be felled.

After finally establishing that there was no nest, he was able to oversee the tree’s long-awaited removal by fellow town councillor Richard Jones.

“The volunteer team arrived at 10am, the tree was down by 10.30, and no wildlife harmed,” he reported. “Over the next two hours the majority of the town’s Christmas lighting scheme was also taken down and put into storage.

“Hopefully, when it comes to next Christmas, the mayor won’t be so restricted with regulations and lockdowns!”