A Christmas tree will be funded in Wanstead after the businesses and residents rallied together to raise the £3,000 needed.

Labour’s Redbridge council scrapped funding for a Christmas tree on George Green in Wanstead causing outrage amongst local Conservative councillors and residents.

But the community hit back and a crowdfunding page was set up at the end of last week, hitting its £3,000 target this morning.

The two businesses based in High Street, Wanstead, to pledge £750 to the cause spoke of their delight in raising the money and why it was so important for the area.

Rupert Verdi, managing director of estate agents Keatons, said: “I am amazed how quick the response was from the community.

“I am a local resident myself and have lived in Wanstead all my life so I am delighted to help the cause, I see the tree every year and it brings with it a real festive spirit.

“When I heard about the funding being lost I had to step in and get involved because the tree and all the Christmas lights bring people to the area and helps businesses on the high street.

“I can understand why the council needs to cut and it has to draw the line somewhere, but I think it has underestimated the community’s need for a tree.”

The two businesses will have their logos and names placed next to the tree and will be able to nominate which local councillor will be dressed as an elf on the last Friday of November when the tree is erected and the lights are turned on.

John Wagstaff, manager of estate agents Petty Son and Prestwich, said: “The Christmas tree draws people to the High Street and it really helps businesses.

“There is huge competition for local businesses not least with a Westfield shopping centre just down the road.

“This would strip away the basic support there is, some are just about making ends week, so I am passionate about keeping the tree in Wanstead.”

Wes Streeting, deputy leader of Redbridge council, responded to criticism by saying the decision to take funding away was purely financial, but backed the local campaign to raise money.