How sad to see so few hanging baskets in the High Street. Several years ago the street would have been festooned with colourful baskets down both sides. Today there's only the odd one here and there - probably no more than a dozen in total excluding the Square.
The baskets are supplied and watered by Stafford Borough's Streetscene department but paid for by the local shops and businesses. Over the years, the cost has increased to the point where most businesses have decided not to be involved.
And the method of enrolment has changed. Until a couple of years ago, a member of Stone in Bloom committee would make a follow up visit to shops which had not sent in the form. This was very effective! The member concerned is a strong character and was very efficient at signing up the 'waverers'! Sadly this doesn't happen anymore. I understand that data protection law prevents Streetscene from releasing details of who has and who hasn't paid! The world's gone mad!
I suppose it raises the questions - is there an alternative method of providing hanging baskets? Does there need to be a radical rethink? Is there an alternative provider available who could supply baskets on a more competitive basis? I don't know the answers but it might be worth looking at?
In the meantime, I fear the Stone in Bloom judges are going to be somewhat disappointed when they come to judge the town in the next few days.
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