Babbacombe Model Village 'Mayor' unveils his own Torquay palm tree

TORQUAY'S palm tree controversy is making big headlines in a much-loved miniature world.

Model-makers at Babbacombe's famous Model Village have created their own version of the Mayor's palm which is currently on the roundabout at Kerswell Gardens.

Opinions are divided over the new full-size palm tree, with some seeing it is a welcome attraction at the gateway to Torquay and others saying it looks more like a pineapple and is a waste of money.

The Mayor of Merrivale, the miniature community inside the Model Village, is in no doubt that his own palm, which bears an uncanny resemblance to an actual pineapple, is great value.

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A news release from Merrivale Town Hall today read: "Residents were aghast when they discovered that, during these austere times, the Mayor had spent money on a new gateway landmark for the miniature town of Merrivale.

"A Merrivale council spokesman said ‘We believe this latest addition is a worthwhile investment for the town that will attract many new visitors and create a great impression on this major gateway. We are aware that there is a groundswell of opinion that this may be an extravagance too far. Regardless, the Mayor firmly believes that the overall cost of 99p represents excellent value for money'."