MARCH Brass 2000 got an early Christmas present today when Fenland District Council Leader Cllr Alan Melton handed back the money they had paid the council to enable them to play carols to Christmas shoppers.

The band had forked out a total of �84 to get Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for four separate occasions.

But it transpired that in fact, they needed only one notice for a performance in the Horsefair at Wisbech– and that had been paid by the Horsefair management.

Cllr Melton stepped in after being told about the payments by MP Steve Barclay.

“I’m very happy to be able to return this money to the band,” he said.

“There had been some confusion about whether or not they had to get these notices. “They thought they did and so had gone ahead and paid for them without asking whether they were really necessary.

“As soon as the problem came to light, our officers acted immediately and were really supportive in making sure they were reimbursed.

“As so often, the law on this is complicated and our licensing team have to ensure that we abide by it. They know all the ins and outs, which is why we encourage all charities and community organisations to speak with them well in advance of any event they are planning.

“They can then advise on whether a notice is required.”

Peter Sutterby, chairman of March Brass 2000, said: “We’re really elated to have this money back and we’re very grateful to Cllr Melton and the council for doing this. It’s going to be a big help to us and it’s very good to have had the confusion cleared up.”