IT had been compared to a wizard's hat. And today (Mon, Dec 7) the giant Christmas cone tree in Poole town centre disappeared completely.

The 33-foot metal and astroturf structure made a subdued exit from Falkland Square, making way for a genuine fir tree donated by the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Shopping centre bosses are set to unveil their 30-foot tree on Tuesday (Dec 8) at 11am. And for many Christmas shoppers hunting festive bargains in Falkland Square, it can't come a moment too soon.

Grandmother, Caroline Allen, of Alderney, said: "It should have gone ages ago. It was awful. I'd never seen anything like it. Even with the lights, it wasn't intriguing."

"A real tree with lights will look delightful, especially for the children. Even the teenagers will like it."

Customer service worker, Victoria Kellett, said: "I'm glad it's gone. It was hideous. Hopefully a fir tree will make the square feel a bit more Christmasy."

But young mum, Laura King, spoke up for the cone, saying: "I didn't think it looked too bad, but I don't think the older generation liked it."

Town centre managers said the structure had been chosen after complaints from residents in previous years about the guy ropes required to secure a real tree.

Health and safety concerns associated with the town’s coastal location are said to have guided the Town Centre Management Board in their choice of the cone.

Vandalism marked the end for the beleaguered structure, with a strip of astroturf torn from near the top in what town centre bosses believe was an attempt to climb it.

Private cash funded the cone. The Town Centre Management Board invested £14,000 in the steel and astroturf structure.

Dolphin Centre managers have refused to say how much their fir tree has cost. A local supplier told the Daily Echo a 30-foot tree would cost about £400.

Daily Echo readers have flooded the paper's website with comments about the cone's demise, with most backing its departure.

Doubletop of Bournemouth said the decision to remove the tree was "great news" and criticised the attempt to change a traditional Christmas.

But Aureala of Bournemouth said: "A beautiful piece of art! Something not from the woods or a shopping catalogue. Very original and youthful."