Park volunteers slam lack of flowers around war memorial
A COMMUNITY group has slammed the council for not planting flowers around the cenotaph in Great Harwood ahead of this year’s war commemorations.
Ian Wilkinson, chairman of Friends of Memorial Park (FoMP) said it was a ‘very distasteful decision’ and that councillors should be ‘ashamed’.
It comes after the Observer reported last month how bedding plants would be withdrawn from all Hyndburn parks due to budget cuts, a decision prompting FoMP to cancel their annual Prom in the Park.
Mr Wilkinson said: “I find this decision very distasteful in a year when all over the country services of remembrance are being held to honour those who served us.
“It is the first year since 1921 we have had no flowers in the park.
“The Royal British Legion are to hold two events shortly around the cenotaph and the flower beds are a disgrace.
“The councillors should be ashamed. They are just playing politics by blaming central government.”
Ward councillor and cabinet portfolio for finance Gareth Molineux said they have a ‘legal and moral duty’ to protect statutory services.
He said: “I agree fully with Mr Wilkinson’s view that it’s a very distasteful decision, but unfortunately we are facing shrinking budgets and tough decisions have to be made.
“Decisions such as the beautification of our parks have to be taken extremely seriously and this decision was not taken lightly.
“We have to make practical decisions and we can’t continue to fund the parks as we have