The crowdfunding page to fund a Christmas tree in Wanstead has been so successful that a new target of £5,000 has been set for new projects.

Funding for a Christmas tree on George Green in Wanstead was scrapped by Redbridge council but the community hit back, reaching its £3,000 target yesterday morning.

However the money has kept rising and currently £3,711 has been raised on the page.

Conservative councillor Colin Cronin, who created the page, has announced he will be using the surplus money to fund local projects in Wanstead, citing examples such as a new swing, bench or tree planting.

The new target is £5,000 with a deadline of October 30.

Cllr Cronin said: “I know there are still a lot of people who want to contribute towards the cost of the tree and I am happy to announce a new target.

“We are hoping to get an additional £2,000 to spend on community projects in Wanstead and then a vote will be held to see what the people want it spent on.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response of the people of Wanstead, we set ourselves a target of getting the money together by the end of October but in the end it only took a few days.

“It just shows community spirit is still there in Wanstead and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed.”

The annual ceremony to turn on the Christmas lights by the Redbridge Mayor Ashley Kissin will take place on the last Friday of November.

Contribute here: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fund-wansteads-christmas-tree/?