Ainscough lifts Christmas tree

UK crane rental firm Ainscough Crane Hire worked with electrical contractor IllumiDex UK to lift an 18 metre tall LED conical Christmas tree into place in Southport town centre.

Installation work took place over one night, with the contract lift team from Ainscough’s Preston Depot operating until the early hours of the morning.

The team used a 40 tonne Liebherr mobile crane to layer the tree’s various components and install the completed tree which was then fitted for lighting by Illumidex.

Due to the nature of the work, Ainscough said its team had to overcome several challenges including issues around visibility created by working at night. Lifting within a public area also necessitated a stringent safety approach, Ainscough added.

Ainscough has won the contract with IllumiDex UK for the next three Christmases and will participate in the removal of the decorations in January.

Ainscough contract lift manager, Karl Dawson, said, “Southport town centre attracts many visitors for its famed Christmas decorations and we are incredibly proud to have helped facilitate their installation this year, creating a winter wonderland for the local community.”