A motion on the issue was submitted to a meeting of the full council on Thursday 28 March by Councillor Fotheringham and Councillor Ballinger.

Elected officials gave it unanimous support.

Councillor Fiona Fotheringham said: “I am delighted that my motion on the planting of ‘Living Christmas Trees’ has passed with unanimous support from across the chamber. 

“Currently trees provided in our communities cost upwards of £1000, only to be ripped up and disposed of in January.

“This cost is similar to that of planting a root-balled tree which is a more environmentally friendly option and can be left to be enjoyed in future years.

The motion asked the council to investigate the potential of planting ‘Living Christmas Trees’ across all North Lanarkshire Towns and Villages.  

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This news will be welcomed by communities during the festive season as a long-term, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to brighten our towns during the winter months.

“We will work with communities to agree the best places for the trees to be situated and in other ways in which we can maximise the impact of this initiative for local people and businesses to benefit from.”

Councillor Fotheringham added: “Council staff have also been tasked to look at innovative and sustainable options for these trees, such as the inclusion of solar lighting.

“I appreciate that this is only a small gesture, but working together with our communities we can hopefully brighten our towns and villages, saving local organisations money and returning some festive spirit to North Lanarkshire next Christmas.”