Public outcry over floral decision
COMPLAINTS are growing about the end of an eye-catching floral display in Lockerbie.
The area in Townhead Street was bursting with begonia blooms every year, a sight welcomed and enjoyed by residents.
But it’s now been returned to grass - above -and there won’t be any flowers this year, or in future, due to cost-cutting at Dumfries and Galloway Council.
George Trudt flagged up the change on his Facebook page earlier this week, where the decision was widely criticised.
He said: “Townspeople are not too happy about the levelling and grass seeding of a decades long summer showpiece garden flower bed.”
[caption id="attachment_67995" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Meanwhile, council officials have explained the reasons for the change, saying: “The flower bed at Townhead Street, Lockerbie was previously planted each year with annual bedding plants grown at the council’s nursery at Cargen Towers. As part of a budget decision taken last year, the council’s garden nursery was removed, which means these plants are no longer grown or available.
“As a result, the former flower bed has been levelled and grass seed applied so that it can be incorporated into the wider open grassed area at the site, which will continue to be available for public use.”
However, there is a glimmer of hope for the area after Lockerbie Civic Pride agreed to consider if they could help. Founder Roger Claymore said yesterday: “It’s disheartening because you are hearing council bosses are getting big rises.
“But the council has said this is across the board and no flowers will be coming from them. It’s really unfortunate.
“The Civic Pride group will try and do something. They’ve grassed that part over but the area opposite we’re hoping to put flowers there. We’re hoping to step up to the mark and do something.”
Related News
