An Aylesford landlord has declared no “bah humbug” can dampen the village’s seasonal spirit, despite Scrooge-like council bosses ordering the removal of several Christmas trees.

Four of the festive features had to be taken away from their spots in the high street outside The Hengist and The Chequers Inn, after a complaint they were causing an obstruction on the pavement.

But neighbours have expressed their sadness that the trees have been moved, especially as the two venues have potted plants in the same place all year round.

David House, who owns both the Chequers and the Hengist, said: “It’s just very disappointing. It’s a very sad state of affairs that Aylesford hasn’t got a Christmas tree.

“For Highways to tell us to take them down is demoralising for everybody in the village.

“We always support the village the best we can, it’s very community-led. What our two establishments have done during the Covid lockdown, including providing free meals for the OAPs, to have to take our four Christmas trees down, it’s just sad.”

The trees were subsequently offered to a good home, with the promise that “Santa will deliver to anyone in Aylesford free of charge”.

The following day, the venues thanked customers for their “lovely messages of support”.

Three have since been donated and another has been placed in the village square.

Nicola Bowden, who lives two doors down from the pub, said she couldn’t understand why the festive trees had to be removed.

“I saw the trees, they were adding some festive cheer to the village,” she said.

“They were not in anybody’s way, I have no idea why they were asked to move them. The pub has pot plants outside all year round, and these trees which were small were no greater obstruction than those.

“If you look along the high street you will see the shop has A-boards outside on the pavement and a dustbin, no one’s told them to move those.”

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “We were contacted by a resident of Aylesford High Street on December 7 who complained that potted trees outside The Chequers were blocking access to the footpath.

“Unfortunately the trees significantly reduced the width of an already narrow footpath forcing pedestrians out onto the road.

“We therefore asked for them to be removed.”

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