Row hanging over baskets for summer

Furious town councillors in Horwich say they are against the proposals because they fear the baskets would cost too much to water and maintain.

But they say a decision to go ahead with the plans has been made behind their backs by an executive member of Bolton Council - and that it could cost Horwich Town Council £1,500.

Cllr Steve Rock, leader of the town council, said: "We felt the money could be better spent on things like litter bins with the town crest on or perhaps a mural outside the Somerfield store depicting the town's history.

"I don't see the point in Bolton Council consulting us about this, only to make a decision before we have met to decide on it, or have given any feedback.

"I am dismayed because the majority of town council members were concerned about the maintenance costs.

"But if the executive member has made a decision, I would have though it is too late to do anything about it."

The baskets would cost £6,900, to be paid for from Horwich's £50,000 slice of Bolton Council's District Centres Improvement Fund.

They were approved last month by Cllr Ebrahim Aida, Bolton Council executive member for development.

An officer's report, endorsed by Cllr Adia on December 11, said a final decision was awaited from the town council on the future costs of watering and restocking the baskets - £3.37 per basket per week or about £1,500 over the 14-week summer period.

The report claimed Horwich Town Council had backed the proposal.

A Bolton Council spokesman said it was "up to the town council" to decide if it wanted the baskets.

She added: "An officer is due to meet with town council members on January 18 to discuss how to best use the remainder of the funds available for this financial year and the matter of the hanging baskets can be settled then."

Cllr Adia said: "I made the decision on the basis of the officer's report, but if the town council does not want the baskets we will consider their representations."