PLANS for a memorial tree for people who have committed suicide have been abandoned for the time being.

Mother Jan Andersen, whose son Kristian took his own life at the age of 20 with a heroin overdose a year ago, wanted to decorate a tree with lights over the Christmas period.

For the rest of the year, relatives would be able to hang mementoes and photographs there.

After contacting Swindon Council, she was told that a fir tree at Kingsdown Crematorium would be suitable.

But Jan was horrified when she was told that the project would cost around £5,000.

The money was needed to pay for the installation of an electricity supply to power four lights which would illuminate the tree.

Jan had discussed a sponsorship arrangement with funeral directors AE Smith and Son of Queen's Drive.

But the company was forced to pull out when the full cost was calculated.

Jan, 43, a freelance writer from Freshbrook, has criticised the council because she was unhappy with the suggestion of the crematorium site.

She says her suggestions for alternative locations were ignored.

She said: "I didn't want the tree at the crematorium at all.

"The whole point was not for it to be associated with death.

"And I was appalled when I was told how much it would cost, I would rather the money went to charity.

"I kept e-mailing the council's parks department with other suggestions, such as Queen's Park or Lydiard Park, which would have been ideal. But I got no response."

Jan, who is writing a book about suicide, is now searching for an alternative site. Gavin Calthrop, for Swindon Council, said: "Because the tree was large, with lights and candles hanging from it and the possibility of tributes around it, the council's advice was that the crematorium was the most suitable location.

"This is because it suffers the least amount of vandalism, and at other locations only a small tree and plaque are allowed.

"The council is more than happy to discuss all the options for planting a tree with anyone who is interested in doing this."

Jan is hoping that charities involved in mental health care might have some land that would be suitable for the tree.

Anyone who can help can contact her at worldwriteruk@hotmail.com