Health and safety legislation kills off blooms (From The Northern Echo)

Health and safety legislation kills off blooms

11:06pm Friday 16th May 2008

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FLOWER pots installed to cheer up a town's drab ring road are to be removed - because of health and safety precautions.

For one lane of traffic must be closed every time the blooms have to be watered, which creates traffic chaos in Darlington.

>"People don't consider the needs of hundreds of motorists when they think of these ludicrous rules."

Fed-up motorist

Not only that, but seven days' notice must be given before any watering is carried out.

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 Darlington's main access points.

But the pots were removed 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.

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

"People don't consider the needs of hundreds of motorists when they think of these ludicrous rules."

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 watering," 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 watering, 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 Darlington Borough 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."

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