Residents Outraged by New Council Rules for Hanging Baskets

 

The picturesque market town of Chatteris, renowned for its award-winning floral displays, is in an uproar over new council rules that require residents to complete a £165 safety course or hire a contractor to hang baskets on streetlights.

Chatteris in Bloom, a volunteer-led group, has been adorning the town's lampposts with vibrant flowers for over 18 years, winning gold at Britain in Bloom and Anglia in Bloom. However, this year, Cambridgeshire County Council has introduced regulations that have left residents feeling frustrated and disheartened.

Group president Sue Unwin, 64, expressed her dismay, stating, "Bureaucracy is going to kill community spirit." She emphasized that volunteers already give their time and money to create the beautiful displays, and the new rules are an unnecessary burden.

The council claims that the streetlights are connected to the power grid, and therefore, safety training is essential. However, the group argues that they have been hanging baskets safely for nearly two decades without incident.

The new rules require a day-long safety course, which the group feels is excessive. Even if they had a qualified member, they would still need to apply for council approval, adding to the red tape.

Maggie Manders, 76, a Chatteris resident, lamented, "The hanging baskets make the displays. You can't just have the flowers; the hanging baskets do make it." She pleaded with the council to reconsider, saying, "Please let us have this. We love Chatteris in Bloom."

The council's response has been met with disappointment and anger. Residents feel that the new rules are an example of bureaucratic overreach, stifling community spirit and volunteerism.

Cambridgeshire County Council maintains that safety is paramount, but the community argues that common sense and local knowledge should be taken into account.

As the dispute continues, the town's floral displays remain absent, leaving residents feeling disheartened and frustrated. The fate of Chatteris in Bloom hangs in the balance, as the community fights to preserve its beloved tradition.