Town has real flower power

Volunteers save displays

Bathgate Community Council proved they have flower power after stepping in to save the town’s colourful plants.

Volunteers have worked tirelessly over the summer to maintain the flower beds since West Lothian Council announced they could no longer afford to do so. Now the community council are calling for more help as they prepare for the coming year.

Ronnie MacLeod, c h a i rma n of the organisation, said anyone can take part, regardless of their gardening skill level.

He said: “This year’s council cuts meant that the town’s flower beds would not be planted up this year to save money. The news had prompted the town’s community council to consider taking on the job by asking local people to volunteer to help with planting and starting an appeal for funds to support the volunteers.

“We cannot stand by and lose the lovely bright floral displays that brighten up Bathgate in the summer months. The call to action had an impact with volunteers forming a working party and local organisations coming forward and donating cash to a flowerbeds project.”

Two years ago, £91,000 for summer planting was pulled from the council’s budget.

Ronnie continued: “With a big hand from mother nature and a hard working volunteer the plants have been watered and nurtured to give us a lovely colourful display around the town. Bathgate looks a better place to live, work, learn and visit with bright attractive floral dispays demonstrating that Bathgate is proud of its appearance. So the challenge was met and Bathgate blooms again but the community council is not resting on its laurels as the flowerbeds need to be maintained and the task needs to be undertaken every year. The call is going out again this autumn for volunteers and for financial support from businesses, local o r g a n i s a tions and individuals.”

The Royal Horticultural Society has taken an interest in the BCC flowerbeds through its ‘In Your Neighbourhood’ project and its assessor is expected to visit in the near future.

West Lothian Council’s executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn, said: “It is fantastic that the local community has taken up the challenge to look after the flower beds.

“I would like to thank everyone who has given up their time this year and congratulate them on their fantastic efforts.”

Bathgate looks a better place to live