A local Lib Dem councillor is calling for more flowers to be planted in order to brighten up the area.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council tends to use green shrubs rather than flowers in its flower beds and planters.

Redcar Councillor Chris Abbott said:

“Redcar and Cleveland must be the only Borough in the country that fills its flower beds and planters with horrible green shrubs.

“Our approach roads to town centres are looking shabby, with green shrubs instead of flowers. I realise the Council is running a ‘Love It’ scheme to get volunteers to plant flowers but every other borough in the land appears to be able to provide decent flower displays without having to do this, so why can’t we?

“It’s another example of the Labour council not getting the basics right.

“These types of cuts are more about making a political statement than a genuine money saving effort. People blame the Council, not the Government when these things are done, and it harms the Council’s reputation as a caring authority.”