MOURNERS have been banned from planting trees in council-run cemeteries.

The move comes after it emerged the council was charging grief-stricken families £700 a tree.

The cost came to light after friends of community stalwart Steve Povey applied to plant a seven-foot tree at his grave in Leek's new Buxton Road cemetery.

Council leaders are concerned that trees and shrubs in the two council-owned Leek cemeteries are taking up too much space.

Councillor Povey's cousin John, who is also a councillor, hit out at the decision at a scrutiny panel, which put next year's budget under the spotlight.

The fee had been deleted from the council's list of charges.

He said: "Trees have a significant environmental impact.

"The charge is optional and I would be unhappy to see the opportunity removed.

"Trees do enhance the cemetery.

"I would ask the council to keep the fee in. The more trees across the Moorlands, the better."

Councillor Linda Malyon said: "We were hoping to plant a tree in the cemetery for John's cousin Steve, and at first we were told it would cost £100, and then we were told it would be £700.

"A bench costs even more. These fees are astronomical.

"We should look at a more reasonable cost.

"We should do something to help people remember their loved ones.

"We do not need to discontinue it."