KNUTSFORD Town Council is to look at alternatives to its Reindeer Parade because of the cost of the event.

The number of complaints from residents about the use of the live reindeer in the festive parade increased last year.

Town council staff closely monitored the reindeer during the parade, and did not see any evidence of distress in the animals, although they appeared withdrawn when in the pen in Canute Square.

Town councillors said they had no concerns for the welfare of the animals, which are provided by Cheshire Reindeer, which live on a 50-acre site in north Wales.

However there was concern at the £2,250 cost of hiring the reindeer, and members of the Events and Town Centre Management Committee agreed not to hire the animals for Christmas 2019 and look at other options.

Cllr Elizabeth Beswick said she thought the hire cost of £2,250 was expensive for a very short period of time.

Cllr James Power said: “I don’t have any doubts about the way these reindeer are being looked after, and know our officers were watching very closely and the reindeer did not seem at all distressed.

“However they may well be a way for us to use that income more effectively and to keep improving our Christmas events.

“We should look at potentially something else that could build on the success we have had in the past.”

Cllr Peter Coan said: “I have no doubt whatsoever that the reindeer are happy and looked after in accordance with all the current guidelines.

“However there may be opportunities to spend this money more wisely, to do something just as enjoyable for a fraction of the price [of the reindeer hire].

“In addition we would save all the space in Canute Square from not having to have the reindeer petting pen.”