A DETERMINED stand by the town council could be enough to save Richmond's roundabouts from being grassed over.

Richmondshire District Council announced recently it could no longer afford to pay the £2,500 bill to maintian flower beds decorating the traffic islands in Queen's Road and Darlington Road.

Since then, a number of sponsors have come forward and the town council is hoping the news may prompt a change of heart.

Councillor Jane Metcalfe sits on both authorities but told a town council meeting last week that she had been approached by a number of people willing to help.

"It is very obvious the public do not want the roundabouts to go"' she said. "I am quite sure, with sponsorship, this could be worked out.

"These roundabouts with flowers are essential to Richmond, to the tourists and to the pride in the town."

Members agreed to raise the matter at the liaison committee meeting with the district authority next Monday.