Plans to spend £4,000 on planting trees across Maldon to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee have been called "excessive".

The Queen's Green Canopy encourages people across the UK to plant a tree for the Jubilee, although it is not obligatory for councils to do so.

Maldon Town Council has set aside £4,000 from its environment budget, which is £71,297 in total, to plant a tree in each ward alongside extra planters in the town centre.

Speaking at a council meeting last night (Monday, 13 December), Councillor Christopher Swain said: "The amount that's set out there is, to say the least, excessive. It's a bit extravagant.

"I think the environment budget should be trimmed back a bit."

He was met with strong opposition from other members, however, with Councillor Peter Stilts saying "it would be an insult to Her Majesty not to do it".

Councillor Kevin Lagan said: "The council has declared a climate emergency and the planting of trees for the carbon capture alone is worth the money."

Councillor Andrew Lay, chairman of the finance committee, added that the budget includes "ancillary costs" associated with planting the trees, such as signage or a monument.

Councillor Swain said: "I don't disagree at all with a budget for the Queen's Jubilee, but the Green Canopy is different.

"I don't think it's an obligation to install them."

The town council has set a budget of £2,500 for the Jubilee celebrations, which are set to include a church service and volunteer tea.

The environment budget, including the £4,000 proposed for the Queen's Green Canopy project, was voted through by members - with 14 members for and one, Councillor Swain, against.

One tree each is set to be planted in Primrose Meadow, Leech Memorial Garden, Cross Road, Lower Plume School, Longship Way and Wentworth Primary School.

Councillors are also considering planting trees in St Peter's churchyard.