Yes mate, it's 5 metres shorter than Nelson's Column. There's a stairway inside to a viewing area just below Britannia.
Only 2 people allowed at a time, £3 each, but the notice/sign was from 2013. So we didn't get the chance, shame
Must admit, there's a lot of whinging about the tree as you say. Get over it people, it's there.
If the council didn't go with it, some other council would have.
The lane closures weren't needed, that's my main gripe.