A spat has broken out among Royton councillors over the decision to axe plans for a Christmas tree due to sky-high costs.

A tree which usually sits at Shaw Road End in Royton will not be put up this year which Oldham Council said was due to the cost-of-living crisis and as a tree already exists in the town's centre.

But Royton North Conservative Councillor, Lewis Quigg, has argued a tree ought to have been planted in the spot years ago to save money.

Cllr Quigg said £1,184 was spent on a cut tree in Royton last year and revealed a decision was made that the cost is simply too expensive to justify in the current economic climate this year.

As an alternative, Cllr Quigg said he asked the council how much it would cost for a planted tree as a one-off payment - and "if planting the pot-bound one in the precinct was possible".

"Apparently not", he added, as he revealed the cost to plant a new tree would have cost more than £1,450.

The Diggle Christmas tree came with a similar price tag this year and had a hostile reception from residents who complained about its cost and seemingly small size.

READ MORE: 'Is it April 1st?': Village Christmas tree met with complaints over cost and size

However, the Royton councillor said he is "still waiting" to find out how much the council has spent on cut trees in Royton over the last five years and estimates the figure to be in the region of £4,500, excluding inflation and based on an average cost of between £800 and £1,100.

He wrote: "Had they planted a tree over five years ago then they could have saved that amount of money.

"It makes zero sense to keep buying a cut tree for outside when you can plant one.

"Yes, it is a trifling matter when compared to many other issues impacting residents, however questions were asked."

Cllr Quigg said he personally believes a decision to plant a permanent tree should have been made years ago.

"Simple planning can save thousands of pounds which could have been spent better on things locally", he added.

But Labour councillor for Royton North and chair of North District, Clint Phythian, said a living tree already exists in Royton town centre which was planted in 2019 - and stressed a second one is not a necessity.

Cllr Phythian said: "I'm grateful Cllr Quigg thinks Labour's investment in a living tree on Royton precinct was a sound investment."

The councillor also confirmed plans for the tree at Shaw Road End were scrapped this year due to the "excessive costs during a cost-of-living crisis" and since one already exists in the precinct. 

He added: "This money could be better spent supporting residents in Royton.

"Roytoners that get in touch with me are much more worried about turning their heating on than they are about a non-existent tree."