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FLOWER pots set up to decorate Darlington's ring road are to be removed because two lanes of traffic need to be closed every time the plants are watered.

The health and safety precaution causes traffic jams in the town centre, and road workers need to give seven days' notice before they carry out the work.

The line of planters were fixed to metal railings along the central reservation next to the roundabout at Northgate.

When the flowers were in bloom the feature brightened up the concrete thoroughfare at one of the main access points to the town centre.

But the pots were removed on Friday because Street Scene staff have been hamstrung by health and safety legislation.

Cones were set up along the length of the railings while the workmen took them away, causing traffic delays in both directions.

One motorist, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is 10.20am and traffic is half way up North Road, it's a disgrace.

"People don't consider the needs of hundreds of motorists when they think of these ludicrous rules that seem to exist only to give pen pushers in some distant department something to do."

Coun Mark Burton noticed the flowers were wilting last week, and got in touch with Street Scene to report the problem.

"They were looking pretty limp, so I sent off an email to let them know they needed watered," he said.

"That's when I found out they can't have them there any more and they need to be removed.

"Apparently they have to take a lane of traffic out when ever they need watered, and before they do that they have to give a week's notice.

"Where does this rule come from all of a sudden? It's a real shame they can't keep these flowers there.

"This might have a detrimental effect on the town's chances in the Northumbria in Bloom competition."

A spokeswoman for the council confirmed that the flowers have been removed.

"It has been brought to our attention that to water these flowers would cause traffic problems, as this is a busy road which would have to be partially closed to allow a Street Scene team to work in the area," she said.

"We have therefore decided to remove the flowers.

"Meanwhile we are working with residents and community groups to make sure the Borough is ready for the Northumbria in Bloom judges."

5:48pm Friday 16th May 2008

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