Midsomer Norton Town Council has given the go-ahead for a town Christmas tree this year, but not before some opposition to the town having to pick up a price tab left from B&NES.

In a row to mirror the - Bath And Nowhere Else (BANEs) row, the council was asked why it should pay for a tree, now B&NES has announced it will not carry the cost of a Christmas Tree in the town.

Cllr Mike Moxham repeatedly asked the council, which met in an extra ordinary session on October 31, why Midsomer Norton pays the costs of maintaining The Hollies, where the tree usually stands, when this is in fact B&NES land.

In an argument around paying for a tree, which this year will have to come out of Midsomer's budget he asked: " Who is looking after (The Hollies) - we are. It is B&NES land, it is their responsibility. But we are paying for something that is theirs. Why is that " Later adding: " Yet when it comes to the fence at the old McColl's they say that is not to do with them. I am always being asked by people in Midsomer why we pay for stuff which they should be paying for."

Midsomer Norton Town Council were told that Backhouse has been approached for sponsorship money - up to £2,000 to help pay for the tree - while B&NES which has said it will NOT pay for this year's town tree, will continue to pay for the Christmas street lights. Although councillors were warned that this may not happen in future years due to budget pressures.

Former Mayor Cllr Michael Evans said: " It is swings and roundabouts with them. It is the age old argument B&NES money for Bath and only Bath, but we DO get support from them. " It was pointed out that Midsomer Norton alone of all the local communities has been having a paid for by B&NES tree for many years.

The council agreed to cover the costs of this year's tree, with one vote against - from Cllr Moxham. With uncertainly over how much sponsorship would be offered, it is expected to cost £2,000 with other money coming from any left from the Mayoral budget.

The light switch on of the Christmas Tree will be on November 24, but in a scaled-back ceremony.

From the agenda

Midsomer Norton are currently without a Christmas tree for the town. In previous years the Christmas tree and all Christmas lights have been supplied by B&NES at no cost to town council. Unfortunately, due to a suppliers contract finishing with B&NES a new contract had to be tendered to cover the areas for B&NES. Due to rising costs the new contract has extended the budget with B&NES and cutbacks have been made. What this means for MSN – B&NES will be supplying the Christmas lights but there is currently no funds available to extend this for the Christmas Tree which has historically been sited in the Hollies Garden in MSN. There is a tree pit in the Hollies but unfortunately due to issues with the pit it's not able to be used. We have received the costs for the tree, lights, pit work required. See costs below.

Tree Costs Tree pit inspection £640.60 (paid) Remedial work to tree pit £5,403.60 Tree purchase, installation and removal £2,000.00 (estimate) Tree Light Hire £221.98 Tree Light Install £728.43 Tree Light Removal £350.73 TOTAL £9,345.34

On receipt of these costings we have been looking at alternatives and have secured a quote (see attached) for a 20ft Christmas tree (which is what is normally in place) and stand etc. The cost of this option is as follows To supply, install and decorate:- 1 x 20ft Premium Cut Display Norway Spruce Christmas Tree Install tree into bespoke metal base cladded with a wooden box To supply MEWP to dress tree To dress tree with 2500 Cool White or Warm White 24v LED mini light sets (all lighting, transformers and cable from transformer to socket to be supplied by Fine Pines) After the festive period To remove lights from tree, package and store for use the following year Dismantle tree and clear from site Total £ 3500.00 Vat @ £ 700.00 Total Charge £ 4200.00 They have advised that they would be able to accommodate a tree for us if an order is placed this week, however as the TC has not previously purchased a tree the current budget is £2,000. Any additional amount will need to be funded from the reserves or the Christmas Fayre budget currently set at £3,000. The Town Clerk has also approached Backhouse to sponsor the Tree. At the time of writing, we are awaiting a reply. Town Clerk to update members at the meeting. Recommendation: Members to consider purchasing a Christmas Tree from Fine Pines.