A BRADFORD Council hunt for business sponsorship to fund Haworth's Christmas tree from 2018 onwards has drawn fire from a district councillor.

The move has been condemned by Worth Valley ward councillor Glen Miller, who said it was an unreasonable request to make to hard pressed businesses.

But Bradford Council has defended its policy, arguing that it is having to contend with huge cuts to its budget inflicted by Cllr Miller's Conservative Party colleagues.

Cllr Miller explained that he had heard that Bradford Council has e-mailed Haworth businesses, asking them if they would be prepared to contribute towards the cost of the village's Christmas tree each year from 2018.

The tree is located each year at the bottom of Main Street. Bradford Council has indicated it will only be able to continue funding it for the 2017 festive season, and not beyond.

Haworth's Christmas tree is a focal point for carol singing during Haworth's popular, traditional festivities each December.

Cllr Miller said he understood that Haworth-based businesses had been left unimpressed by the suggestion that they should provide the cash for the tree and its decorations instead.

"I think it's disgusting that the council has approached businesses that are struggling in the current climate," he added.

"Some of them have seen their business rates very nearly doubled recently.

"And for the council to make its approach to these businesses via a general e-mail rather than individually is lacklustre, and shows a total lack of professionalism by the leadership of the council."

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for Environment, Sport & Culture, responded: “The whole of this district is feeling the brunt of the savage budget cuts imposed on us all by Cllr Miller’s Conservative colleagues in Westminster.

"But while Cllr Miller tries to shift the blame onto local councillors, we are trying to get on with the job of working in partnership with businesses, local people and organisations to do things differently in order to retain services.

"Using e-mails to communicate with potential Christmas tree sponsors is quick, efficient, reliable and extremely cost-effective for council tax payers.”

As previously reported in the Keighley News, Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council had also been contacted by Bradford Council, and asked whether it would be willing to pay £1,050 to ensure the village still has a Christmas tree from 2018.

Parish councillors recommended the district council should first explore the option of private sponsorship.