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Ainscough Crane Hire’s Preston depot has worked with electrical contractor IllumiDex UK Ltd. for the second year running to lift Southport’s iconic 18 metre conical Christmas tree into place.
Located by famed arts centre, The Atkinson, the tree’s impressive decoration is well‐known for its impressive multi‐coloured LED light display, which has drawn families to the spot for two years, and includes a walking platform for visitors to view the structure from within.
Work on the installation took place over one night, with a three‐person team from Ainscough’s Preston depot operating until the early hours of the morning. Lift Supervisor, Mark Carter; slinger/signaller, John Morgan; and crane operator, Steve Pails utilised a 40t Liebherr mobile crane to layer the tree’s various components and install the completed tree, which could then be fitted for lighting by Illumidex.
Lifting within a public area necessitated a stringent safety approach from the team. In‐line with Ainscough’s robust ‘Make the Safe Choice’ health and safety policy, all works were completed in compliance with the current government and company guidelines for a safe working delivery during COVID‐19.
Ainscough Crane Hire will assist Illumidex UK Ltd. in next year’s installation and will participate in the removal of the decorations in January.
Ainscough Area Operations Manager (North West) Paul Haigh, said: “We are really pleased to have worked with IllumiDex for the second year running on installing the new tree. Once again, they have done a brilliant job of lighting up the town centre with Southport’s iconic decorations. Our project team has worked quickly and efficiently to assist with this important lift, and we are proud to have helped bring some festive cheer to the town this Christmas.”
