Businesses back forum bloom bid

There is hope that hanging baskets will be in place in Spalding this summer after several councillors canvassed businesses at the weekend.

Members of the Spalding Town Forum went around town encouraging firms to take the blooms offered on the proviso they water them.
As reported previously, concerns had been expressed about them not being in place this year due to a lack of funding.
Flower parade organiser Steve Timewell offered to help out and replace them with plastic foliage.
But South Holland Independent councillors Rob Gibson and Ingrid Sheard, plus Conservative Jan Whitbourn said they had a positive reception from businesses.
Coun Whitbourn said: “I think people understand that money is tight and businesses are willing to step up to play their part in making the town look nice.
“The new Spalding Town Board will start meeting soon and has an incredible £2m a year budget coming to improve the town centre thanks to Sir John Hayes MP, so with businesses playing their part to make the town look pretty and funds available to entice new businesses into town, I am hopeful that Spalding Town Centre has a very bright future.
“It was great to chat to Emma from Daisies flower shop, who is always passionate about The Crescent and making sure it is in bloom.”
Coun Whitbourn said the new hanging baskets cost around £30, and many had bought a £15 device to water them.
Coun Gibson said “Like everyone, I do get frustrated when national companies close a branch in our town just like they are doing in towns all over the country and I wish we were already meeting and spending this regeneration money. Like everything, it is a process and all I can tell people is, it’s coming soon.”
Coun Sheard added: “We must stay positive, being negative isn’t going to bring in new businesses to Spalding.
“We need to do everything we can to talk the town up.”