Anger as more flowerbeds in Cleethorpes are dug up to save cash
MORE flowerbeds in Cleethorpes have been dug up as the council battles to save money.
North East Lincolnshire Council has removed the award-winning displays at Kingsway Kiosk – two weeks after planting hundreds of bulbs there – and grassed over the displays at Ross Castle.
The move has further angered residents, businesses and Cleethorpes In Bloom members, who say they simply don't know how they will explain the disappearance to 500 gardening-lovers when they arrive for the Britain In Bloom Awards in October.
Diggers ploughed up the beds at Ross Castle on Thursday, which were grassed over and replaced with trees and the Kingsway Kiosk beds have been covered with soil and will be replaced with sustainable plants.
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Owner of Kingsway Kiosk Andy McCluskey said: "I find it totally unbelievable that the Kingsway Kiosk beds had only been planted a couple of weeks ago.
"They say they want to save and reduce wastage and yet they do this? Why not wait until after they had bloomed so we could have at least had some enjoyment from them?"
It comes just days after NELC planted new "sustainable" plants at Kingsway gardens in place of the bright orange, yellow and red flowers to cut maintenance costs – typically the beds cost £8,000 a year to maintain whereas the new displays will cost £1,000.
The council confirmed the bulbs planted at the kiosk beds cost less than £200.
Cleethorpes In Bloom is annoyed the decision to dig up the beds was taken so quickly and it was not given enough time to find alternative funding for the beds from local businesses.
In Bloom chairman Bob Callison said: "People are coming to see why we are Britain In Bloom winners. They will want to know what makes us so special and this does not reflect that. People won't know what to think.
"We are disappointed they went ahead with this so quickly. I would have liked some time to seek sponsorship from businesses and I am sure I could have found it."
Grant Street resident Glyn Fletcher described the move as "disgusting". He said: "We live on the seafront and walk past them every day. I know the council has to make savings, but this seems so silly and short sighted."
No one at the council was available for comment yesterday, but in a previous article in the Telegraph Councillor Mick Burnett said: "The new displays will keep Cleethorpes looking as pleasant and inviting as it has always been. Sustainable planting is actively encouraged by Britain In Bloom and is consistent with its scoring criteria."
27 Comments
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by DannyWilde
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 7:30AM
“Mmmmm he gets to park a van on the promenade, don't know why, that most save him £1,500 a year in parking fees he could contribute his saving.”
by GRIM_oldie
Thursday, February 21 2013, 9:17AM
“¶ "Why doesn't the kiosk owner pay towards the flowers instead of grousing about it...[?]" ¶
Every council-tax-paying grimbolander pays for these beds -- and their destruction -- and uniform-business-ratepayers pay grossly more, whether they can see these beds or not.
Moreover, in view of the dedicated self-destruction that NE£incs possesses, it should be mentioned that only a year ago, the then incumbent Parks & Open Spaces Manager wrote, in print, of the enhancing effects of 'wild flowers and grasses' and suggested "ways to instigate some new attractions..."
I'd hope that the local barmpots intent on the destruction of North-East Lincolnshire as we once knew it should become acquainted with the relevant writings AND television programmes that would put them straight.
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Joking, of course... I'm well aware that endeavouring to communicate ANYTHING of value to those 'IN CHARGE!' is tantamount to spitting tar into a well of pitch: you don't see the going of it and there's never a response.”
by DannyWilde
Monday, February 18 2013, 9:13PM
“Why doesn't the kiosk owner pay towards the flowers instead of grousing about it the place is always busy”
by pedro100
Monday, February 18 2013, 9:39AM
“You Shaw are the biggest vandal in Cleethorpes, GET OUT and take the rest of the vandals with you. The place looks a disgrace and the one bed that has been covered with gravel looks pathetic. You win the Jacksons award for gravel beds and nothing else.”
by EWW01
Monday, February 18 2013, 5:06AM
“nietzche - no just most of the UK economy.
If you wish to spout ideology at least learn to spell your name correctly!.”
by Wolla247
Sunday, February 17 2013, 4:27PM
“Could planting some flowers and watering them really cost the council that much? One minute there trying to improve Cleethorpes, now there ruining it!”
by observersee
Sunday, February 17 2013, 3:26PM
“Many tongue in cheek comments about the 'Fat Controller', but just how much serious damage can he do before his term of office ends, will there be anything left of Cleethorpes as a seasde resort. RIP Cleethorpes.”
by albella
Sunday, February 17 2013, 2:42PM
“Instead of cost cutting on the Cleethorpes sea front why not start nearer there own frontdoor like why not cut 25% off the counsillors inflated EXPENSES "000OOOOOH" I don't think so”
by justsaying
Sunday, February 17 2013, 2:18PM
“I see that the rose beds outside the Municipal Offices are still there. I presume that they are as safe as the ones near the light railway!”
by davendogs
Sunday, February 17 2013, 9:45AM
“I wonder if we will see the planters afixed to the flyover, hanging baskets adorning lamposts and the big planters along stretches of dual carriageway this year. There's always the roundabouts as well. Hmm.”