TIMBER! Poole’s controversial cone is being axed and replaced with a real tree after a massive public outcry.

The conical creation caused a wave of protest, was lampooned in the national media and even resulted in the formation of a Facebook site dedicated to slating it – which gained more than 4,000 members.

Costing £14,000, it was branded a waste of money and compared to a giant green traffic cone, a dunce’s hat and even an ice cream cornet. The beleaguered decoration in Falkland Square was even vandalised earlier this week, leaving some of the green panels covering its metal structure hanging off.

But after just two stormy weeks the cone is coming down - to the delight of its critics.

It will be replaced next Tuesday by a 30ft traditional Christmas tree, being donated by the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

The cone, which was funded by private corporate sponsorship and approved by the Poole Town Centre Management Board, is set for repairs.

It will be kept among a stock of Christmas decorations, but will not return to the square.

Jonathan Sibbett, Chairman of Poole Town Centre Management, said feedback from Poole shoppers and residents had led them to “bring in something different this festive season.”

He added: “We are disappointed that the cone tree has been vandalised.”

Dolphin Centre management refused to reveal how much the replacement tree would cost, but a local supplier told the Echo such a tree would cost around £400.

Stephanie Lacey, Dolphin Centre manager, said the donation had been made “following requests by the public”.

Yesterday shoppers welcomed news that the town would soon be rid of the controversial decoration.

Christine Cox said: “Thank goodness for that. I have lived here all my life and we have always had a proper tree – even before the Dolphin Centre was built.”

Linda Evans said the tree had cost too much money and could have been more wisely spent decorating the entire square.

But not everyone was pleased. Wendy Smith, 55, of Oakdale, said the cone was beautiful and would have been appreciated in other towns.

And Harry Lang, creator of the Facebook group calling for the tree to be removed, said: "I think it's great that a real, traditional tree will be there from now on.

"I also think, however, that this tree shall be missed, as it became such a symbol of Poole."