After receiving criticism for using donkeys in their nativity parade, the town has decided to change their plans.

A festive sight greeted the residents of Atherton, a small town in Lancashire, as they saw a donkey dressed up in Christmas decorations for the annual nativity parade. This beloved tradition, which features nativity characters and donkeys giving rides to children, was in danger of being cancelled due to a misunderstanding between the local council and the parade organizers.

The trouble started when a councillor announced that the parade would have to be cancelled because the use of animals was no longer allowed by the council. This last-minute decision left the organizers with no time to find a solution and they were forced to consider cancelling the event. This caused an uproar among the locals, who felt that their town's traditions and freedoms were being threatened.

One resident, Adrian White, expressed his outrage on a community Facebook group, stating that the nativity is a cherished Christian celebration and that this was yet another attack on their freedoms. He called for the community to stand together and reject the council's decision. Another councillor, Jess Eastoe, suggested that the parade could still go ahead without the donkeys, as the main focus should be on baby Jesus.

Thankfully, the parade's organizers, the Atherton Residents' Association, announced that the event would go ahead as planned, with the donkeys included. They explained that the issue was due to a misunderstanding at the council and that the officer in charge had apologized. The council clarified that their ban on live animals for entertainment purposes did not apply to community events like the nativity parade, but they still urged the organizers to prioritize animal welfare.

This mix-up was met with criticism from the residents, who joked that the council must be "led by donkeys". It seems that the beloved nativity parade will continue to be a cherished tradition in Atherton, with the donkeys playing a central role in bringing joy to the community during the holiday season.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]