CHRISTMAS cheer cost a parish council £1,657 this year.

The Christmas tree that was put up on the corner of Manchester Road landed the Poulton with Fearnhead parish council with the bill from the borough council.

The tree itself cost £408, with an additional £554 for erection and removal and £695 for lighting.

The tree was up for three weeks.

The parish council agreed to query the bill when they met last Monday.