A CHRISTMAS tree which has been a target for vandals in previous years will have a fence to protect it this year.

The fir tree on St John’s roundabout was put up by Worcester City Council yesterday afternoon.

A fence is going to be put in place and the council is looking into the possibility of CCTV as a measure to deter vandals.

Over the next 10 days the Christmas lights will be installed on the tree, ahead of the big switch on.

Last year the appearance of the tree was heavily criticised – however, the sorry sight was due to vandals who targeted the giant festive decoration.

They ripped the lights from the tree, causing damage to them as well as the branches.

The tree was damaged on November 25, just two days after the lights were switched on, and then again on December 7.

Both vandalism attacks caused outrage in the community with residents calling the vandals "mindless" and "Scrooges".

As a result of the vandalism, the council had to pay hundreds of pounds for the repairs, which required specialist equipment on the busy roundabout.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, chairman of the council’s place and economic development sub-committee, said at the time: “It is very disappointing that mindless vandals have attacked the beautiful lighting on the tree."

This year's tree is from Real Christmas Trees in Solihull. Last year it was from a company in Leigh Sinton near Malvern.