A Christmas tree will not return to Milford Haven's high street this year after a shocking act of vandalism left it too dangerous to switch on.
Milford Haven Town Council said the festive tree on Charles Street was effectively scrapped after an incident in which a person reportedly bit through the Christmas lights, creating a serious health and safety risk.
The bizarre vandalism happened in 2024, forcing the lights to be switched off before Christmas.
Milford Haven Town Council confirmed that it had not installed a Christmas tree on Charles Street since 2024, when the festive display had to be switched off before Christmas following the damage to its lights.
The town Clerk said an electrician advised the council that the display had to be shut down for safety reasons following the damage.
"It was my understanding that a person 'bit' the lights and therefore there was a health and safety issue," the clerk said.
The council said vandalising electrical equipment in this way could be extremely dangerous.
The incident appears to have had a lasting effect, with the council confirming it has not installed a Christmas tree on Charles Street since.
Safety concerns remain over placing another tree there, while remedial work is also needed to the electrical connections that would be used to power it.
Last year, a tree was instead provided by Milford Haven Business Circle rather than the town council.
While Charles Street will once again miss out, festive displays are still planned elsewhere in the town.
Two Christmas trees are set to be installed this year by the council, with one located in Steynton near the Horse and Jockey and another outside Milford Haven Town Hall.
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