New tree marks Lancaster shop closure

James Mackie and Rachael Wilkinson (Lancaster BID) with the tree.

The replacement was instigated by James and Christine Mackie to mark the closing of their shop on the square after 15 years of trading.

James Mackie, formerly of Mackies, said: “We have always missed the tree and have considered it important that it gets replaced. We were happy to pay for it as a gesture of thanks to the city for its support to us as a business and as residents.

“I approached the Business Improvement District (BID) with the idea and they liaised with Paul Cocker at the city council to organise the planting.

“In the end the tree has been funded by ourselves with important contributions from both the BID and the Lancaster City Centre Residents’ Association.”

Rachael Wilkinson, events & marketing co-ordinator from Lancaster BID, said: “I was thrilled when James approached the BID with the idea to re-instate the missing tree from Dalton Square.

“The square is an iconic part of Lancaster’s cityscape and looks particularly beautiful in the winter when all the lights are on the trees.

“Our office overlooks the new tree and we can’t wait to see it blossom over the next few years.”

The new tree was planted by Lancaster City Council employees and waswas funded by James and Christine Mackie, Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID) and Lancaster City Centre Residents’ Association.