Following confusion over the blockage of the walk-through feature of the new Christmas tree now located in the town centre, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has confirmed this week that the wooden fence currently surrounding the tree will be removed to facilitate access from December 1 but would be closed off at certain times.

The new artificial tree, which was gifted to the town by Enniskillen businesses via Enniskillen BID, was erected at The Diamond, Enniskillen on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 22.

Following its erection, a wooden fence was placed around the tree, preventing people from walking through it as designed, which has caused much uproar, with many people posting their confusion over the matter on social media.

Last week, a Council spokesperson told this newspaper that the fence was a "temporary measure" until December 1 to "to protect the tree frame and reduce the risk of vandalism before the lights are turned on".

The spokesperson followed this by saying that the Council was reviewing the fencing arrangements "from a health and safety perspective".

When asked by The Impartial Reporter to outline what health and safety issues the Council had to review ahead of the decision to remove the fence, the Council spokesperson responded: "Health and safety is a key consideration in all aspects of the Council's activities. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council normally erects a fence around the Christmas tree to mitigate the risk of unauthorised access on or vandalism to the structure or any part thereof."

This newspaper asked the Council to clarify if the walk-through Christmas tree will be fully accessible over the festive period, or will it be closed off at certain times. The Council spokesperson said: "Working in partnership with Enniskillen BID, the Council can confirm that the walk-through feature of the Christmas tree will be accessible to the public from 8am to 6pm every day from December 1."

Noelle McAloon, Enniskillen BID manager, told this newspaper on Tuesday, November 22, following the tree's erection, that the fence would be removed on December 1 to coincide with the illumination of the town's Christmas lights.

Talking about the new Christmas tree, which has replaced the Council's town centre tree, Noelle said: "This Christmas sees the introduction of a fabulous new Christmas tree for our island town.

"A gift from the businesses of Enniskillen to brighten up the town centre, this walk-through eight-metre tree brings a whole new level of Christmas glamour.

"We have all experienced a tough couple of years and this Christmas brings even more challenges for many of us.

"So Enniskillen businesses, via Enniskillen BID, want to bring some Christmas magic to the town centre and dust this Christmas with extra sparkles!"

It is understood that the reusable tree, which was funded by Enniskillen BID, cost around £19,000 and will have a lifespan of at least 10 years.