UPDATE: Councillor Craig Morgan and Councillor Richard Mayo returned to the Ross Christmas tree on Wednesday afternoon to give a trim. Passers by agreed that it is a great improvement to the tree's appearence.Local Councillor Craig Morgan, whose recent outburst at critics of the Ross-on-Wye Christmas tree has generated a great deal of interest, has made a further announcement. This morning, Wednesday, November 22nd Craig shared the news that he and his wife, Cath, are moving from Orles Barn Hotel in the New Year.

Craig told the Ross Gazette: "We had to give three months notice, it is not a result of any of the recent negative publicity about the tree."

Craig said: “With Cath carrying our second child, and various other things regarding the hotel, we have decided it is time for us to move on. We have been at Orles Barn 2.5 years and have loved every minute of it. It’s taught us to be stronger people and the experience we have gained has been outstanding."

Craig added that their last day at Orles Barn will be December 31st, 2017 but they do not know yet where their next adventure will take them.

Craig recently made the news with his rant against people complaining about the tree and the lights in the centre of Ross. The tree which is in the Market Place, was donated by a charity, the Rotary Club, and Craig, along with other Councillors, helped oversee the members of the Fire Service who put the lights on the tree.

Cllr Morgan explained that he took on the task of the directing of the placement of the lights. He said: “ I was the person who, on the day was calling the shots of where they went on the tree. Not the Council, me alone so any expressions of concern regarding placement on there, please aim them at me direct!!"

And he added: “If anyone fancies doing it themselves next year then please do get in touch and I’ll put your name forward.”

Craig told the Ross Gazette that he was disappointed in the recent articles, online and in a national newspaper, especially as no-one had spoken to him directly about any of the details. However he is determined to continue to do his best for the town and, together with another Councillor, will be working on the tree this afternoon to make it more attractive.