IT'S AN iconic sight for the Isle of Wight — but Newport Fire Station will not be erecting a Christmas tree atop its drill tower this year

The tree has been a long-held tradition spanning several decades, but the town will have to do without for 2019.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “It is unlikely the tree will be provided this year following some local communication issues, which are now resolved.

“The organisation of the tree is undertaken on a voluntarily basis by the firefighters from one of the watches at the station and not under the direction of the council.

"Although the council shares the community’s view about the iconic nature of the tree, it respects the choices made by the firefighters about its provision this year.”