The closing of Murphyville will continue as planned, despite a groundswell of community support to save the popular Christmas display in west Saint John.

But the woman who led the charge to save it is still hoping someone may take over some of the holiday decorations, nativity scenes and miniature buildings and set them up somewhere else for the public to enjoy.

"There is the possibility that some of the remaining items for Murphyville may find a home in the area, so I will keep my ears and eyes open to see if it does happen and maybe we can go there when that time comes," said Natasha Craig.

On Tuesday, CBC News reported that the nephew of the late Saint John MLA Lou Murphy, who has been looking after the site since Murphy died in 1995, can no longer maintain the huge display.

The reindeer display has already been removed and the rest will be dismantled in the coming months. (John Van Dusen/CBC)

Donald Coholan, 78, said he felt bad, but just couldn't keep up with the amount of work and was willing to donate the items to anyone willing to take them.

The news struck a sentimental chord in many residents, such as Craig, who have flocked to the site over the past 46 years.

Craig quickly formed a Facebook group called Save Murphyville, which gained more than 900 followers, some of whom proposed striking a committee to help with the upkeep.

But after speaking with the family, Craig has abandoned the effort.

"I was in touch with the owners last night and it does appear the plan [to dismantle the display] has been in the works for some time and does not look like it's going to be saved," she said. "It was saddening.

"The family has put a lot of time, effort, work, finances into keeping it going so it's … I have the upmost respect for the family. If that's the decision they made, we'll support it and thank them for the years they did put into it so everyone could enjoy it for the time it was there."

Craig said she first went to Murphyville as a small child and has continued to return every year.

"I take my own children there and my parents, grandparents, great grandparents all enjoy it, so it's a family tradition."