Residents left underwhelmed by their town’s Christmas tree say: “You can get bigger ones in Poundland.”

The festive feature was put up in Deal on Sunday by Dover District Council (DDC) – but the authority’s leader has since admitted the wrong one was delivered.

Cllr Kevin Mills insists a more impressive version is set to be installed “as a matter of urgency”.

KentOnline visited Deal today and asked residents for their opinion on the tree, which sits at the entrance to the pier.

Peter Marsh, who has lived in Deal for 13 years, joked: “You can get bigger ones in Poundland.

“It’s underwhelming. It’s almost as tall as the pampas grass but not quite as big.

“I would have expected a better one. If you’re going to do it, do it properly.”

The 77-year-old is however pleased the council “isn’t spending too much money”.

Jill Breen, another Deal resident, agreed that the tree had a particularly small stature, adding: “It could be bigger.

“It’s not the best I’ve ever seen but at least it’s not leaning to one side as I thought it might be.

“It’s not too bad though. I think it should have a star. I think maybe at night it would look lovely.”

The 72-year-old will be “pleased” to see a bigger, better tree put up.

Jose Arufe-Barker, who was visiting from London with a group of friends, found the tree to be an “odd shape” on his first impression.

“I think it’s underwhelming,” the 26-year-old said.

Also in the group was Georgia Fry, 24, who feels it “hasn’t really celebrated Christmas” as it should.

She added: “I think it needs some more decorations, maybe some red and gold.”

On the other hand, Grace Gabrielli commented: “I think maybe we don’t need to spend a lot of money on a tree.

“There’s a cost-of-living crisis. Maybe there are other things money needs to go into.

“I think with the lights on it would be fine.”

Vanessa Hood, 67, who was visiting from Faversham with her husband Malcolm, says “a lot of people like to moan”.

“It’s got lights so once they are on in the evening it would be nice,” she said.

“It’s a nice gesture by the council to put a tree up in the first place – it makes people feel better. I think a lot of people like to moan.”

Another supporter was Brian Hurst, 74, who said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to Deal and walking through the pier I saw it and I think it’s very good.

“I think they’ve made a lot of effort to do that and the criticism is unwarranted.”

One resident who complained to DDC about “the small-scale seasonal pine” is Paul Dawkins.

“It’s a contender for Kent’s worst Christmas tree,” he said.

DDC leader Cllr Mills says the tree is not the one that was ordered.

“I find it unacceptable that this has happened and it makes the council department that dealt with it look bad,” the Labour councillor said.

“The tree wasn’t the one that was ordered and the company that supplied it will be replacing it with the correct one as a matter of urgency.

“I have insisted this has to be done as soon as possible.”

DDC has been approached for further comment.

It's not the first time a Kent Christmas tree has received criticism.

In 2012, Herne Bay’s offering was dubbed the worst in the UK.

It was replaced, only for the new tree to be branded the other's “ugly twin”.