By REBECCA BILLS
MERRY Monbulk’s controversial Christmas tree has been ordered to be pulled down.
The four-metre high tree located on the Main Road/Jordan Road roundabout, made from recycled chicken wire, was designed and erected by local artist Joost Bakker last Thursday night.
Not afraid of controversy, Mr Bakker said the Christmas tree is the first piece he has created for his home town.
VicRoads told the Mail earlier today that the sculpture needed to be removed from the site as it was causing a road safety hazard by blocking sight lines at the roundabout.
Monbulk Business Network president John Coleman said he was working with VicRoads to come to an agreement on when they would pull the tree down.
“Because we needed to get the tree up before the Merry Monbulk event last Friday we had to put it up on the Thursday night,” he said.
“We were inconsiderate in putting it up without VicRoads or the council’s approval.
“I apologise to VicRoads and the council for the unintended inconvenience caused.”
For the full story, see Tuesday’s edition of the Mail.
