The amount of money spent on Christmas in Merton has been revealed.

But it isn't just new trees and lights that the council has to budget for.

In the past two complete financial years, the council has spent a touch more than £56,000 decorating the borough.

But that number has seen a dip recently, going from £30,351 in 2015/16 to £26,299 in 2016/17. It will likely drop further this time around as the council has a budget of £25,000 for this year.

But a council spokeswoman says it is all about bringing a smile to people's faces.

“Spreading a little festive cheer is important to our communities and the Christmas lights help to support local business by attracting more people to our high streets to do their Christmas shopping," she said.

As well as the installation and removal of trees, or making sure the lights get put up properly, there are a few other costs you may not have thought of.

For 2017, these included "providing support for the official switch on, storage of decorations outside the festive season (as well as refurbishing 28 of them) and to turn on and off time clocks during Christmas season."

The council even pays for "night patrolling of pre-mature Christmas lights being on prior to official switch on."

But not all areas are treated equal it would seem.

Last year 197 decorations were distributed around the borough, with Wimbledon alone accounting for nearly a quarter of those with 46.

Next up was Morden (39), then Mitcham (34), Colliers Wood (33), Raynes Park (17) and finally South Wimbledon (13). A couple of streets (Arthur Road with 11 and Leopold Road with four) even managed to have their own category.

But the council says there is a simple reason why the split is not always even.

“In addition, many local organisations also choose to organise their own Christmas decorations, which is why the council does not provide an identical number of lights in each town centre,” the spokeswoman said.

Have you got a favourite Christmas decoration or spot in Merton? Email us at riley.krause@newsquest.co.uk